Select the most appropriate option that can substitute the underlined segment in the given sentence.

Explanation:

The sentence indicates that the painting happened a short time ago, and its effect is still present (the bench is still wet or unsafe to sit on).

For an action completed recently with a present result, we use the Present Perfect Passive:

has/have + been + past participle

Correct sentence:
Don’t sit on this bench as it has just been painted.

Structure Used:

Subject + has/have + just + been + V³

Here:

• has → helping verb
• just → recently
• been painted → passive form

Why the other options are incorrect?

❌ it was painted just → incorrect word order and weak meaning
❌ it had been painted just → past perfect; not needed here
❌ it had painted just → incorrect active structure

Extra Facts:

📘 Present Perfect Passive Formula:
has/have + been + V³

Examples:

• The work has just been completed.
• The food has already been served.
• The letter has been sent.

Difference:

• was painted → action happened in the past
• has just been painted → action happened recently and still affects the present