Why is the answer ‘By whom has my pen been stolen?’ correct?
In English, when transforming a question that begins with the word ‘who’ from the active voice to the passive voice, it requires a change in word order to create a grammatically correct sentence. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of this transformation:
- Active Voice Question: “Who has stolen my pen?“
In the active voice, the subject (“Who”) is the doer of the action (the one performing the theft), the verb is in its usual position, and the object is the thing that has been stolen (“my pen”).
- Transforming to Passive Voice:
To change this question into the passive voice, we need to shift the focus from the doer of the action (the one who stole the pen) to the action itself (the act of stealing) and the object (the pen). This transformation typically follows the pattern:
- Replace “Who” with “By whom” to indicate the doer of the action.
- Move the auxiliary verb “has” before “been” to create the passive construction.
- Keep the object, “my pen,” in its position.
- Passive Voice Question: “By whom has my pen been stolen?”
In the passive voice question, the focus shifts from the identity of the person who stole the pen to the act of stealing itself and the object that was stolen. The structure begins with “By whom,” indicating the doer of the action, followed by the auxiliary verb “has,” “been,” and the object “my pen.”
This transformation adheres to proper grammatical structure when converting an active voice question to passive voice, maintaining clarity and following the conventional order of passive voice construction. It allows the emphasis to be placed on the action and the object rather than the doer of the action, which is often the goal of using passive voice in English sentences.
The proper structure for a passive voice question is crucial when dealing with interrogative pronouns like “who,” “whom,” “what,” “which,” and others. Option “By whom has my pen been stolen?” maintains the correct order for constructing a passive voice question: auxiliary verb, subject, and main verb.
“By whom has my pen been stolen?” follows this structure:
- “By whom”: Correctly introduces the doer of the action in the passive voice question.
- “has been”: The correct auxiliary verbs for constructing the passive voice.
- “my pen”: This is the subject of the passive sentence.
- “stolen”: The past participle of the main verb, indicating the action.
Thus, the option “By whom has my pen been stolen?” adheres to the standard structure for constructing passive voice questions in English and is the more grammatically accurate choice.
Exploring Passive Voice in English Grammar
Passive voice emphasizes the action rather than the doer of the action. Constructing sentences in passive voice involves rearranging word order and using auxiliary verbs along with the past participle of the main verb.
Understanding Passive Voice
Passive voice is formed by rearranging sentence structure, placing the object of the action at the beginning. This shift of focus from the doer to the action itself is important for varied writing styles.
Correct Usage Example
For instance, starting with the active voice question “Who has stolen my pen?” The passive voice equivalent would be “By whom has my pen been stolen?” Here, the focus shifts from the person who stole the pen to the act of stealing itself.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Maintaining proper word order and using correct auxiliary verbs is crucial for constructing passive sentences. Avoiding mismatched verb forms or unclear phrasing is essential.
Benefits of Using Passive Voice
While active voice is generally preferred for clarity and directness, passive voice serves its purpose when the doer of the action is unknown or less important. Mastering both styles enables writers to skillfully convey messages with precision in various contexts.
In conclusion, while active voice is preferred for clarity, passive voice has its place in effective communication. Understanding when to use passive voice adds versatility to one’s writing style.
English MCQs by CSS MCQs
MCQs of English Language
Here, you can find English Mcqs for Preparation FPSC, NTS, KPPSC, PPSC, SPSC, BPSC, OTS, UTS, PTS, CTS, ATS, ETEA and some other tests. You will have English grammar lessons and MCQs quizzes in all categories. MCQ in Quiz FPSC, KPPSC, PPSC and SPSC are given in this section MCQ of English language. Additionally, NTS GAT and CSS vocabulary words are often asked in every competitive exam update on our website with the due passage of time. As in every test these days there is a specific portion of English MCQs. For English Grammar MCQs by CSSMCQs, visit the below MCQs Submit English MCQs. If you are willing to take Online English Quiz, Click HERE now.
Click Here for Online MCQs Quiz Now Register if you don't have an Account.
|
Home |