A sentence is given in Active/Passive voice. Out of the four alternatives…
2023
A sentence is given in Active/Passive voice. Out of the four alternatives suggested, select the one which best expresses the same sentence in Active/Passive voice.
Who built these lovely bridges and canals?
- A.
These lovely bridges and canals were built by whom?
- B.
By whom was these lovely bridges and canals built?
- C.
By whom were these lovely bridges and canals built?
- D.
These lovely bridges and canals was built by whom?
Attempted by 24 students.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Key point: When a question beginning with 'Who' is changed to passive and 'who' is the object, start the passive question with 'By whom'.
Structure:
Active: Who + past verb + object?
Passive: By whom + appropriate helping verb (agreeing with the subject) + object + past participle?
Example:
Active - Who built these lovely bridges and canals?
Passive - By whom were these lovely bridges and canals built?
'Were' is used here because the subject 'bridges and canals' is plural, so the helping verb must agree in number.
Note:
The sentence 'These lovely bridges and canals were built by whom?' is grammatically possible but less natural as a formal question; the preferred passive question front-loads 'By whom'.
Sentences that use 'was' with the plural subject are incorrect; always match the helping verb to the subject ('was' for singular, 'were' for plural).