<u>Answer:</u>
In the question, “Could the alarm have failed to ring?” the verb phrase is “failed to ring.”
<u>Explanation:</u>
A certain portion of a statement which consists of an object, direct or indirect and a verb. It bridges the subject of the verb with the information that the subject is offering, then it serves the purpose of a verb phrase. It can be the predicate of a sentence or a certain clause. It can also operate as an adverb or adjective, and at the same time comprise of a verb and its objects, modifiers and other segments.
Based on the given scenario above, the answer would be option B. A secondary source. It is a secondary source since it is already seen in the magazines or printed articles and not directly from the person him/herself. Hope this answers your question.