Yokpayba Sutla MCQs Quiz | Class 9
This quiz covers the ‘Passive voice constructions’ topic for Class IX, Subject Limboo (025), Unit Grammar. Test your knowledge with these 10 Multiple Choice Questions and then download an answer PDF for review.
Understanding Passive Voice Constructions
The passive voice is a grammatical construction where the subject of the sentence receives the action of the verb rather than performing it. It emphasizes the action or the receiver of the action, often when the doer of the action (the agent) is unknown, less important, or obvious from the context.
Key Concepts of Passive Voice
- Form: The passive voice is formed using a form of the verb “to be” (is, am, are, was, were, be, being, been) followed by the past participle of the main verb.
- Agent: The doer of the action, if mentioned, is usually introduced by the preposition “by” (e.g., “The ball was hit by John“).
- Emphasis: It shifts the focus from the performer of the action to the action itself or its recipient.
- Usage: Common in scientific writing, news reports, and when avoiding personal responsibility or when the subject is unknown.
Structure: Active vs. Passive Voice
| Voice | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Active | Subject + Verb + Object | John (Subject) hit (Verb) the ball (Object). |
| Passive | Object (becomes Subject) + ‘to be’ + Past Participle + (by Agent) | The ball (New Subject) was hit (Verb) (by John). |
When to use Passive Voice:
- When the doer of the action is unknown or unimportant: “The window was broken.”
- When you want to emphasize the action or the object of the action: “The new bridge was completed last month.”
- In formal or scientific writing: “The experiment was conducted under controlled conditions.”
- To maintain objectivity.
Quick Revision
- Passive voice emphasizes the receiver of the action.
- Formed with ‘to be’ + past participle.
- Agent (doer) is introduced with ‘by’.
- Useful when the agent is unknown, unimportant, or for formal tone.
Extra Practice Questions (with Answers)
Identify whether the following sentences are in Active or Passive voice, and if passive, identify the agent if present.
- Question: The novel was written by a famous author.
Answer: Passive voice; agent: a famous author. - Question: They are building a new hospital.
Answer: Active voice. - Question: My car has been stolen.
Answer: Passive voice; agent: unknown. - Question: We will complete the project by Friday.
Answer: Active voice. - Question: The decision was made after much deliberation.
Answer: Passive voice; agent: unknown/unspecified.
