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Question

Convert the sentence provided below from its passive voice structure to an active voice structure:
The book was read by the student in just two days.

This question was previously asked in
SSC Stenographer 2025 Question Paper (06-Aug-2025) Shift 2
The correct answer is
The student read the book in just two days.

Understanding Active and Passive Voice Conversion

Voice in grammar refers to the form of a verb that shows whether the subject of the sentence performs the action or receives the action. There are two main types of voice: active and passive.

Active Voice

In the active voice, the subject of the sentence performs the action. The structure is typically Subject + Verb + Object.

Example: The student read the book. (Here, 'the student' is the subject performing the action 'read'.)

Passive Voice

In the passive voice, the subject of the sentence receives the action. The structure often involves a form of the verb 'to be' + past participle of the main verb, and the performer of the action might be introduced by 'by'.

Example: The book was read by the student. (Here, 'The book' is the subject receiving the action 'was read'.)

Converting Passive to Active Voice

To convert a sentence from passive voice to active voice, follow these steps:

  • Identify the object of the passive sentence (often introduced by 'by'). This object becomes the subject of the active sentence.
  • Identify the subject of the passive sentence. This subject becomes the object of the active sentence.
  • Change the verb form. The passive verb (form of 'to be' + past participle) needs to be converted to the corresponding active tense.
  • Keep any time phrases or other modifiers.

Analyzing the Given Sentence

The original sentence is in passive voice:

The book was read by the student in just two days.

  • Subject (Passive): The book
  • Verb (Passive): was read (Past Simple Passive)
  • Agent (becomes Subject in Active): the student
  • Time Phrase: in just two days

Step-by-Step Conversion

  1. Make the agent the subject: The agent is 'the student'. So, the active sentence starts with 'The student'.
  2. Change the verb to active form: The passive verb is 'was read' (Past Simple Passive). The active form in Past Simple is 'read'.
  3. Make the passive subject the object: The passive subject is 'The book'. So, it becomes the object in the active sentence: 'the book'.
  4. Include the time phrase: 'in just two days' remains the same.

Constructing the Active Sentence

Combining these elements results in the active voice sentence:

The student read the book in just two days.

Evaluating the Options

Let's compare this result with the given options:

  • Option 1: The student was reading the book in just two days. (Incorrect tense - Past Continuous)
  • Option 2: The book is read by the student in just two days. (Incorrect voice and tense - Present Simple Passive)
  • Option 3: The student has read the book in just two days. (Incorrect tense - Present Perfect)
  • Option 4: The student read the book in just two days. (Correct voice and tense - Past Simple Active)

The conversion correctly changes the passive sentence "The book was read by the student in just two days" into the active sentence "The student read the book in just two days."

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Similar Questions

  1. Select the correct active form of the given sentence.
    "The book is being read by him."
  2. Change the following from active to passive:
    By the time the team arrived, the technicians had already repaired the control panel and tested all functions twice.
  3. Select the correct active form of the given sentence.
    "The window had been broken by the boy."
  4. Convert the sentence provided below from its passive voice structure to an active voice structure.
    The poem was composed by the student during the literature class.
  5. Select the correct passive form of the given sentence.
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  6. Convert the sentence provided below from its passive voice structure to an active voice structure:
    All the entries must have been verified by the auditor before submission.
  7. Transform the following sentence into active voice.
    The royal sword is said to have been transferred to a new museum where it would have been preserved properly.
  8. Which of the given options is the most logical sequencing of the following sentences to form a meaningful paragraph?
    1. Franklin hypothesized that lightning was a form of electrical discharge.
    2. Franklin flew a kite made of a silk string and attached a metal key to it during a storm.
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Important Questions from Active and Passive Voice

  1. Select the option that expresses the given sentence in passive voice.
    Have you placed an order for a cake?

  2. Select the option that expresses the given sentence in active voice.
    Walking zones have been demarcated using paints and cones by the municipal corporation.

  3. Select the option that expresses the given sentence in active voice.
    All previous ages are far surpassed in knowledge by our age.

  4. Select the option that expresses the given sentence in passive voice.
    Give her a 50% raise in salary.

  5. Select the option that expresses the given sentence in passive voice.
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