Select the correct passive form of the given sentence: Active sentence: The…
2019
Select the correct passive form of the given sentence:
Active sentence:
The scientists have confirmed the existence of 44 new planets in other solar systems.
- A.
The existence of 44 new planets in other solar systems will be confirmed by scientists.
- B.
The existence of 44 new scientists in other solar systems has been confirmed by the planets.
- C.
The existence of 44 new planets in other solar systems confirmed scientists.
- D.
The existence of 44 new planets in other solar systems has been confirmed by scientists.
Attempted by 90 students.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: D
Correct passive form: The existence of 44 new planets in other solar systems has been confirmed by scientists.
Step 1: Identify the object in the active sentence and make it the subject in the passive. The object is 'the existence of 44 new planets in other solar systems.'
Step 2: Keep the same tense. The active verb is 'have confirmed' (present perfect), so form the passive using present perfect passive: 'have/has been' + past participle.
Step 3: Make sure the auxiliary agrees with the new subject. 'The existence' is singular, so use 'has been' rather than 'have been.'
Step 4: Add the past participle and the agent (if mentioned): 'has been confirmed by scientists.'
Common errors to avoid:
Using 'will be confirmed' changes the tense to future and does not match the original present perfect meaning.
Swapping participants (for example, suggesting '44 new scientists' confirmed by the planets) changes the meaning and produces nonsense.
Omitting the auxiliary ('has been') makes the sentence ungrammatical and changes the intended voice and tense.
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