Active And Passive Voice Exercise
Directions: A sentence has been given in active/passive voice. Out of the suggested alternatives, select the one which expresses the same sentence in passive/active voice.
1. My father gave me this watch.
a. This watch was given to me by my father.
b. This watch is given to me by my father.
c. This watch had been given to me by my father.
d. I had been given this watch by my father.
e. I am given this watch by my father.
Answer: a
Explanation: The active verb ‘gave’ becomes ‘was/were given’ in the passive voice.
2. Historians have written too many books about the Second World War.
a. Too many books were written about the Second World War.
b. Too many books have been written about the Second World War.
c. Too many books had been written about the Second World War.
d. About the Second World War too many books are written.
e. Too many books about the Second World War are being written.
Answer: b
Explanation: The active verb `have written` becomes `have been written` in the passive voice.
3. The robbers destroyed the chairs and tables. They also attacked the inmates.
a. The chairs and tables were destroyed by the robbers. The inmates were also being attacked by them.
b. The chairs and tables were destroyed by the robbers. The inmates were also attacked by them.
c. The chairs and tables had been destroyed by the robbers. The inmates had also been attacked by them.
d. Including the chairs and tables, the robbers had attacked the inmates.
e. The chairs and tables were destroyed by the robbers. The inmates had also attacked them.
Answer: b
Explanation: `Were/was destroyed` is the passive form of the active verb `destroyed` and `were/was attacked` is the passive form of the active verb `attacked`.
4. Alice was drawing a picture.
a. A picture was drawn by Alice.
b. A picture was being drawn by Alice.
c. Alice had drawn a picture.
d. A picture had been drawn by Alice.
e. A picture has been drawn by Alice.
Answer: b
Explanation: `Was being drawn` is the passive form of the active verb `was drawing`.
5. They think Allwyn to be dangerous.
a. Allwyn is thought to be dangerous.
b. Allwyn has thought to be dangerous.
c. Allwyn is being thought to be dangerous.
d. Allwyn is thought to be dangerous to them.
e. Allwyn has been thought to be dangerous.
Answer: a
Explanation: Many verbs are followed by object + infinitive. When we change these structures into the passive, the infinitive does not undergo any change.
