Understanding Passive Voice in English Sentences

Let's understand what passive voice is and how to identify it in sentences. In a sentence written in the active voice, the subject performs the action of the verb. For example, "John reads a book." Here, John (subject) performs the action (reads). In the passive voice, the subject receives the action. The focus is on the action and the object rather than the subject performing the action. The structure often involves a form of the verb 'to be' followed by the past participle of the main verb.

Identifying Passive Voice in the Given Options

We need to examine each sentence provided in the options to determine which one is in the passive voice.

Let's analyze each option:

• Option 1: Always reach the school at time.

  This is an imperative sentence, giving a command. The implied subject is 'you', and 'you' perform the action of 'reaching'. This is in the active voice.

• Option 2: Please bring me a glass of water.

  This is also an imperative sentence, making a request. The implied subject is 'you', and 'you' perform the action of 'bringing'. This is in the active voice.

• Option 3: Let him read a book.

  This sentence uses 'let' followed by a subject ('him') and a base verb ('read'). The structure implies a command or permission given by the implied subject ('you'). 'He' is performing the action of 'reading'. This is in the active voice.

• Option 4: Let the salary be given to these clerks.

  This sentence also starts with 'Let'. However, the structure after 'let' is different. The subject is 'the salary'. The action verb is 'give', used here as the past participle 'given'. It is preceded by 'be'. The structure 'be given' indicates that the subject, 'the salary', is receiving the action of being given. This structure ($\text{be} + \text{past participle}$) is characteristic of the passive voice. The sentence implies someone (not explicitly stated) is giving the salary, and the salary is receiving the action.

Conclusion: Which Sentence Uses Passive Voice?

Based on our analysis, the sentence that uses the passive voice is the one where the subject receives the action and the verb structure includes a form of 'to be' and the past participle. Option 4 clearly fits this description with the structure "be given". Therefore, "Let the salary be given to these clerks" is an example of a sentence in the passive voice.

Mastering the difference between active and passive voice is important for sentence construction and understanding English grammar. Recognizing the 'be' + past participle structure is key to identifying the passive voice.