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Passive Voice – Quiz 1
Passive Voice Quiz 1 (30 MCQs)
This multiple-choice question set evaluates the ability to identify and construct passive voice sentences, including their use in different tenses and with modal auxiliaries. It covers concepts such as subject-verb agreement, focus on objects, and transforming active sentences into passive forms.
Quiz Instructions
Select an option to see the correct answer instantly.
1.
We ..... by mosquitoes at the cottage
A) Bit.
B) Was bitten.
C) Have bitten.
D) Were bitten.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "We were bitten by mosquitoes at the cottage" is in the passive voice, where the subject (we) receives the action (being bitten). The correct answer is D) Were bitten because it correctly uses the past passive voice form to indicate that an external agent (mosquitoes) performed the action on the subjects (we).
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Bit" is in active voice and does not match the context of receiving an action.
Option B:
"Was bitten" uses singular instead of plural, which doesn't agree with the subject "We."
Option C:
"Have bitten" is in present perfect tense, indicating a completed action related to now, not past events at the cottage.
Option D:
"Were bitten" correctly uses the past passive voice form for plural subjects receiving an action from mosquitoes.
2.
Choose the best option:BY / ENTIRE / IS / THE / HOUSE / PAINTED / BOB
A) The painted house is by Bob.
B) The entire house is painted by Bob.
C) Is the house by Bob painted.
D) By Bob the painted is the house.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option B is correct because it uses the passive voice structure, where the focus is on the action (painting) rather than the doer (Bob). In this sentence, "The entire house" is the subject of the passive construction, and "is painted by Bob" indicates who performed the action.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. Uses active voice with "by Bob" at the end.
Option B:
Correct. Passive voice with emphasis on the object (house) and the action (painting).
Option C:
Incorrect. Uses a question format, which is not relevant to passive voice construction.
Option D:
Incorrect. Poor sentence structure that does not follow proper passive voice rules.
3.
The paper ..... tomorrow
A) Will print.
B) Will be printing.
C) Will print.
D) Will be printed.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "The paper will be printed tomorrow" uses the passive voice, where the subject (the paper) is acted upon by an implied agent (someone who prints). In this construction, the focus is on the action rather than the doer of the action.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Will print" uses active voice and does not indicate that the subject is being acted upon.
Option B:
"Will be printing" implies an ongoing action, which is incorrect for a future simple tense sentence.
Option C:
"Will print" again uses active voice and does not indicate passivity.
Option D:
"Will be printed" correctly uses the passive voice in the future continuous form to describe an action that will happen in the future, making it the correct choice.
4.
Convert it into passive voice:"We had to call the ambulance."
A) The ambulance had to be called.
B) The ambulance had been to be called.
C) The ambulance had been called.
D) The ambulance had to be being called.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The passive voice is formed using the auxiliary verb "to be" plus the past participle of the main verb. In this case, "had to call" changes to "had to be called," making option A correct because it properly uses the passive construction.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Uses "had to be called" which is the proper passive form.
Option B:
Incorrect. The phrase "had been to be called" is not grammatically correct in this context.
Option C:
Incorrect. "The ambulance had been called" implies a completed action, whereas the original sentence indicates necessity or obligation.
Option D:
Incorrect. The phrase "had to be being called" is redundant and not grammatically correct in this context.
5.
Becauce of the accident, three people ..... to the hospital this morning.
A) Are taken.
B) Were taken.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Because of the accident, three people were taken to the hospital this morning" is in passive voice. In passive voice constructions, the subject (three people) is acted upon by an external agent (implied here as "were taken"). The correct form for passive voice with a past time reference ("this morning") is using the past participle of the verb "to be" followed by the past participle of the main verb. Thus, "were taken" is appropriate.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Are taken - Incorrect as it uses present tense.
Option B:
Were taken - Correct for passive voice in past tense.
Option C:
All the above - Incorrect, only "were taken" is correct.
Option D:
None of the above - Incorrect as "were taken" is correct.
6.
They are building a new ring road round the city.
A) No correct answer.
B) A new ring road is built around the city.
C) A new ring road is being built around the city.
D) A new ring road was built around the city.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option C is correct because it uses the present continuous passive voice, which indicates an action that is currently in progress and involves a subject being acted upon by an unspecified agent. "They are building" conveys that the construction of the ring road is ongoing.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
No correct answer.
Option B:
Incorrect as it uses simple passive voice, not indicating current action.
Option C:
Correct for using present continuous passive voice to indicate ongoing construction.
Option D:
Incorrect as it uses simple past tense, suggesting the road was built in the past, not currently being constructed.
7.
New Orleans (to hit) by a huge hurricane in 2005.
A) Is being hit.
B) Was hit.
C) Were hit.
D) Has been hit.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "New Orleans (to hit) by a huge hurricane in 2005" is transformed into the passive voice, which requires the use of the past participle form of the verb "hit." The correct answer is
B) Was hit.
This indicates that New Orleans received the action of being hit by the hurricane.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Is being hit. - Incorrect, as it uses present continuous tense in passive voice and refers to a current event.
Option B:
Was hit. - Correct, as it correctly uses the past simple tense in passive voice for a completed action in the past.
Option C:
Were hit. - Incorrect, as it incorrectly uses plural form and past simple tense in passive voice.
Option D:
Has been hit. - Incorrect, as it uses present perfect tense in passive voice and refers to an action that started in the past and continues up to now or is relevant to the present.
8.
One day, the ball was being hitt by the truck, it flew and flat.Check and change the false (grammatical error)
A) 'was being hitt' becomes 'was hit'.
B) 'was being hitt' becomes 'was hiting'.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The passive voice is used when the focus of a sentence is on the object rather than the subject performing the action. In this case, "the ball" (object) was acted upon by an unspecified agent ("by the truck"), so it should be in the passive form.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. "Was being hit" is the correct passive voice construction.
Option B:
Incorrect. "Wasing hitting" (assuming a typo for "was hitting") would be active voice, not passive.
Option C:
Incorrect. Both A and B are incorrect; only A is correct.
Option D:
Incorrect. Option A is the correct answer.
9.
Tomorrow, New sandals ..... by Gema Nurani students.
A) Should be bought.
B) Would be bought.
C) Shall be bought.
D) Will be bought.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Tomorrow, New sandals ..... by Gema Nurani students." is in the passive voice. The correct answer, "D) Will be bought," uses the future passive voice form, which correctly conveys that the action of buying will be performed on the new sandals by an unspecified agent (Gema Nurani students). This aligns with the passive construction.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. Active voice or present tense is not appropriate for a future passive context.
Option B:
Incorrect. Future tense without passive voice does not fit the sentence structure.
Option C:
Incorrect. Future tense with active voice does not match the passive construction implied by "by Gema Nurani students."
Option D:
Correct. Uses future passive voice, fitting the context and grammatical requirements.
10.
They ..... this story by their grandmother when they visited her last week.
A) Were telling.
B) Tell.
C) Told.
D) Were told.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence uses the passive voice, indicating that the subject (they) is receiving the action (were told). The structure "were + past participle" is characteristic of the passive voice in the past tense.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. Active voice with progressive aspect.
Option B:
Incorrect. Active voice without progressive aspect.
Option C:
Incorrect. Active voice in simple past tense.
Option D:
Correct. Passive voice in past tense.
11.
We have a lot of memories in this house because it ..... by our late grandfather.
A) Was build.
B) Is being built.
C) Was built.
D) Is build.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence requires the passive voice to indicate that the action (building) was performed on the house by someone else, in this case, the late grandfather. The correct form is "was built," making option C the right choice.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
"Was build" - Incorrect verb form.
Option B:
"Is being built" - Present continuous tense, not suitable for past events.
Option C:
"Was built" - Correct passive voice in the past tense.
Option D:
"Is build" - Incorrect verb form and tense.
12.
Change it to passive:Tokyo will hold the Olympics in 2020.
A) You can't change it because it is an intransitive verb.
B) The Olympics will be held in Tokyo in 2020.
C) The Olympics shall be helping in Tokyo in 2020.
D) The Olympics are being held in Tokyo en 2020.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The correct answer is
B) The Olympics will be held in Tokyo in 2020.
This sentence uses the passive voice, where the focus shifts from the subject "Tokyo" to the action "will be held." In passive constructions, the object of an active sentence becomes the subject and is introduced by a form of the verb "to be" followed by the past participle.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. The verb "hold" in this context can indeed be used passively.
Option B:
Correct. Uses passive voice with proper structure.
Option C:
Incorrect. Grammatically incorrect and does not use the passive voice correctly.
Option D:
Incorrect. Grammatically incorrect and does not use the passive voice correctly.
13.
My bestfriend writes the poems.The poems ..... by my bestfriend.
A) Were written.
B) Are written.
C) Was written.
D) Is written.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "My bestfriend writes the poems.The poems are written by my bestfriend." uses passive voice, where the subject (the poems) is receiving the action of the verb (written). In passive voice constructions, the auxiliary verb "are" is used with the past participle form of the main verb. Therefore, option B ("Are written") correctly transforms the active sentence into a passive one.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect; no auxiliary verb for passive voice.
Option B:
Correct; uses "are" with past participle, making it passive.
Option C:
Incorrect; singular subject requires singular form of the verb in passive voice.
Option D:
Incorrect; no auxiliary verb for passive voice.
14.
Which of the following sentences is the Passive One?
A) Nokia produced many kinds of mobile phones.
B) Japan was trying to introduce new motor cycles.
C) Indonesia exported Batik to America.
D) Motorcycles were imported from Japan.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option D is the passive sentence because it uses "were imported" to indicate that the subject (motorcycles) is receiving the action of being imported, rather than performing the action themselves.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Active voice - Nokia performs the action of producing.
Option B:
Active voice - Japan performs the action of trying to introduce.
Option C:
Active voice - Indonesia performs the action of exporting.
Option D:
Passive voice - Motorcycles are receiving the action of being imported.
15.
What the passive voice sentence?
A) A verb that give action.
B) A noun uncountable.
C) A verb that take action.
D) A verb that change function.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Passive voice is used when the focus of a sentence is on the action rather than the doer of the action. In passive voice, the subject of the sentence becomes the receiver of the action (often introduced by "by" or implied), and the verb changes to its passive form.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. Active voice uses a verb that gives action.
Option B:
Incorrect. Nouns are not related to passive voice.
Option C:
Correct. In passive voice, the focus is on the action (verb) rather than the doer of the action.
Option D:
Incorrect. The function of a verb does not change in passive voice; it just takes a different form to emphasize the receiver of the action.
16.
The room ..... at the moment
A) Is cleaning.
B) Is being cleaning.
C) Was cleaned.
D) Is being cleaned.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "The room is being cleaned at the moment" uses the passive voice construction correctly. In this structure, the subject (the room) is acted upon by an implied agent who is cleaning it. The present continuous tense with "being" indicates that the action of cleaning is ongoing.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. Active voice used instead of passive.
Option B:
Incorrect. Grammatically incorrect; should be "is being cleaned."
Option C:
Incorrect. Past tense, not present continuous.
Option D:
Correct. Passive voice with present continuous tense.
17.
I have written questions in my laptop
A) Questions were written by me in my laptop.
B) Questions are being written by me in my laptop.
C) Questions have been written by me in my laptop.
D) Questions were being written by me in my laptop.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option C is correct because it uses the present perfect passive voice, which indicates an action that was completed at an unspecified time before now. This fits well with the context of having written questions in your laptop.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Simple past tense; does not indicate a completed action related to the current moment.
Option B:
Present continuous passive voice; implies an ongoing or repeated action, which is not suitable for this context.
Option C:
Correct use of present perfect passive voice; indicates a completed action in the past with relevance to now.
Option D:
Past continuous passive voice; suggests an action that was ongoing in the past, which is not appropriate here.
18.
On the way when the cherries ..... (transport) from the farm to the airport by the lorry last night, the lorry driver got fainted.
A) Were being transported.
B) Are being transported.
C) Am transported.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence describes an event that was happening in the past and is not under the control of the subject (the cherries). This indicates a passive voice construction. "Were being transported" correctly conveys this, as it shows the action of transportation was taking place to or with the cherries.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Uses passive voice and past continuous tense.
Option B:
Incorrect. Active voice and present continuous tense does not fit context.
Option C:
Incorrect. Active voice simple past tense is wrong for this context.
Option D:
Incorrect. At least one correct option exists.
19.
It ..... that the painting is a fake.
A) Is now believed.
B) Believed now.
C) Is believing.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "It is now believed that the painting is a fake" uses passive voice, where the subject (it) is followed by the verb phrase in passive form ("is believed"). This structure emphasizes the action rather than the doer of the action.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Uses passive voice emphasizing the belief.
Option B:
Incorrect. Active voice, not passive.
Option C:
Incorrect. Grammatically incorrect and not passive.
Option D:
Incorrect. None of the above is not applicable since one correct option exists.
20.
She is creating a monster!
A) A monster is created.
B) A monster is being created.
C) A moster is creating.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
Option B, "A monster is being created," correctly uses the passive voice construction with the present continuous tense. The subject "monster" is receiving the action of creation, and "is being created" indicates that this process is ongoing.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Active voice; no passive construction.
Option B:
Correct: Passive voice with present continuous tense.
Option C:
Incorrect verb form and lack of passive voice.
Option D:
Not applicable as Option B is correct.
21.
Food ..... direct to the market by trucks.
A) Delivers.
B) Deliver.
C) Delivered.
D) Can be delivered.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "Food can be delivered direct to the market by trucks" uses the passive voice, which is indicated by the use of "can be delivered." This structure emphasizes the action rather than the doer of the action.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Delivers - Active voice; incorrect.
Option B:
Deliver - Infinitive form, not a complete sentence; incorrect.
Option C:
Delivered - Simple past tense, active voice; incorrect.
Option D:
Can be delivered - Passive voice; correct.
22.
The computer ..... by my sister when I was doing my homework at 8:00 pm last night.
A) Has been used.
B) Is used.
C) Was using.
D) Was being used.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence describes an action that was happening at a specific time in the past, indicating that the computer was in use by your sister while you were doing homework. The passive voice "was being used" correctly conveys this ongoing state of being acted upon.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. Past perfect tense is not appropriate for describing an action at a specific past time.
Option B:
Incorrect. Present simple tense does not fit the context of a past event.
Option C:
Incorrect. Simple past tense does not indicate that the action was ongoing at a specific point in the past.
Option D:
Correct. Passive voice with continuous aspect accurately describes an action happening at 8:00 pm last night.
23.
The centre forward ..... a goal
A) Scores.
B) Was scored.
C) Is scored.
D) Has scored.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "The centre forward has scored a goal" is in the passive voice, where the focus is on the action (scoring) rather than the subject (the centre forward). The correct form uses the present perfect tense with the auxiliary verb "has" and the past participle "scored." This indicates an action that started in the past and continues to have relevance now.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Scores - Active voice, not passive.
Option B:
Was scored - Incorrect tense; it should be present perfect for a recent action. Also, "was" is used incorrectly here as the subject is singular.
Option C:
Is scored - Present continuous tense, not suitable for this context.
Option D:
Has scored - Correct passive voice form in present perfect tense.
24.
The break bell rang just when the teacher was about to start the test. Then, she said that the test ..... until next meeting. It was a real 'saved by the bell' situation.
A) Was cancelled.
B) Has been cancelled.
C) Are cancelled.
D) Will be cancelled.
E) Is cancelled.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence requires the passive voice to indicate that the test was affected by an external action (the break bell). "Was cancelled" correctly uses the simple past tense passive form, indicating a completed action in the past related to the subject (the test).
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Uses simple past tense passive voice.
Option B:
Incorrect. Uses present perfect tense which implies an ongoing or recent change, not a completed action in the past.
Option C:
Incorrect. Uses plural form which is grammatically wrong for this sentence structure.
Option D:
Incorrect. Uses future tense which does not fit the context of a completed action.
Option E:
Incorrect. Uses present tense which implies an ongoing or habitual action, not a one-time event in the past.
25.
The centre is managed ..... Mr Harris.
A) By.
B) With.
C) All the above.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "The centre is managed ..... Mr Harris" uses the passive voice construction, where the subject (the centre) is acted upon by the verb (is managed). In this case, "by Mr Harris" is necessary to complete the passive voice structure. Therefore, Option A ("By") is correct.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Uses passive voice with 'by'.
Option B:
Incorrect. "With Mr Harris" does not fit passive voice construction.
Option C:
Incorrect. Both options are needed for complete passive voice structure.
Option D:
Incorrect. Option A is correct.
26.
Which is the object in this sentence "The project is being completed by the boss" ?
A) The boss.
B) Completed.
C) The project.
D) Complete.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The object in the sentence "The project is being completed by the boss" is
The project
. In a passive voice construction, the object of the active voice becomes the subject and is followed by the verb phrase using 'is' or 'are' + past participle. Here, "the project" receives the action.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
The boss - Subject in passive voice.
Option B:
Completed - Verb in passive voice; not an object.
Option C:
The project - Object receiving the action.
Option D:
Complete - Part of the verb phrase, not a separate object.
27.
The technician said that the air conditioner ..... tomorrow. Just be patient.
A) Would be repaired.
B) Will repair.
C) Will be repaired.
D) Would be repair.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence uses the future passive voice, which is formed with "will be + past participle". The technician's statement indicates that an action (repairing) will be done to the air conditioner by someone else in the future. Therefore, the correct answer is
A) Would be repaired.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Uses future passive voice "would be + past participle".
Option B:
Incorrect. Uses active voice with a future tense verb.
Option C:
Correct but less natural in this context;
would be repaired
is more appropriate for a technician's statement.
Option D:
Incorrect. Uses an infinitive form without the auxiliary verb "be".
28.
El auxiliar principal de la Voz Pasiva es:
A) Have.
B) El participio de los verbos.
C) To Be.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
El auxiliar principal de la voz pasiva es "to be". En la voz pasiva, el sujeto se encuentra en la forma del auxiliar "to be" conjugado al presente o a otro tiempo verbal, seguido del participio pasado del verbo principal.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Have is not used as the main auxiliary in passive voice.
Option B:
The participle of verbs forms part of the passive construction but is not the main auxiliary.
Option C:
To Be is correct, as it serves as the primary auxiliary verb in forming the passive voice.
Option D:
None of the above is incorrect since Option C is accurate.
29.
The oranges ..... from Britain
A) Import.
B) Are imported.
C) Imported.
D) Is imported.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "The oranges are imported from Britain" is in the passive voice, where the focus is on the action (importing) rather than the subject performing the action (the importers). The correct form uses a verb in the third person plural present tense ("are imported") to match the plural subject "oranges."
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Incorrect. "Import" is not conjugated for plurality and does not indicate passive voice.
Option B:
Correct. "Are imported" matches the plural subject "oranges" and indicates passive voice.
Option C:
Incorrect. "Imported" lacks the auxiliary verb necessary to form a complete sentence in the present tense.
Option D:
Incorrect. "Is imported" does not match the plurality of the subject "oranges."
30.
The kids do the washing-up
A) The washing-up is done by the kids.
B) The washing-up was done by the kids.
C) The kids are doing the washing-up.
D) None of the above.
Show Answer
Explanations:
The sentence "The kids do the washing-up" is in active voice, indicating that the subject (the kids) performs the action (do). Option A, "The washing-up is done by the kids," transforms this into passive voice. In passive voice, the focus shifts to what is being acted upon (the washing-up), and the agent (the kids) follows with "by." This makes option A correct as it accurately represents the active sentence in passive form.
Option Analysis:
Option A:
Correct. Active voice becomes passive by placing the object of action before the verb phrase.
Option B:
Incorrect. Uses past tense, changing the present continuous meaning.
Option C:
Incorrect. Indicates ongoing action but in active voice.
Option D:
Incorrect. No correct option here.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is passive voice construction?
Passive voice construction involves restructuring a sentence so that the subject receives the action, rather than performs it. It typically uses a form of "to be" plus the past participle of the main verb.
Can passive voice be used in all tenses?
Yes, passive voice can be used with various tenses including simple past, present perfect, future, and continuous forms. Each tense has its specific construction to convey the passive meaning.
How does one form the present continuous passive voice?
The present continuous passive voice is formed using "am/is/are + being + past participle." For example, "The book is being read by Sarah."
What are some common uses of the passive voice?
Passive voice is often used when the focus is on the action rather than the doer, or when the doer is unknown. It can also be employed to avoid mentioning the agent or for formal writing.
Is passive voice always preferable over active voice?
No, passive voice is not always preferable. Active voice is generally more direct and concise. Passive voice should be used when appropriate to the context or style of writing.