Passive Voice Verb Choice: Practice Question

Let's dive into a practice question that tests your understanding of the passive voice. This is super important for anyone learning English, especially if you're aiming to improve your grammar and write more clearly. We'll break down the question, explore the options, and explain why the correct answer is the best fit. Understanding the passive voice will not only help you ace grammar quizzes but also make your writing more sophisticated and professional. So, buckle up, grammar enthusiasts, and let's get started!

The Question

Here's the sentence we need to complete:

Adam _______ the company where he had his first interview.

And here are our options:

A. called B. really liked C. tried hard to appeal to D. was hired by

Analyzing the Options

To figure out the correct answer, we need to understand what the passive voice is and how it works. The passive voice is used when the subject of the sentence receives the action, rather than performing the action. Let's look at each option in detail:

A. called

If we choose "called," the sentence would read: "Adam called the company where he had his first interview." This is in the active voice, where Adam is performing the action of calling. While grammatically correct, it doesn't fit the context of the question, which requires a passive voice construction.

B. really liked

If we go with "really liked," the sentence becomes: "Adam really liked the company where he had his first interview." Again, this is in the active voice. Adam is performing the action of liking. It's a simple and understandable sentence, but it doesn't use the passive voice we're looking for.

C. tried hard to appeal to

Choosing "tried hard to appeal to" would make the sentence: "Adam tried hard to appeal to the company where he had his first interview." This option is also in the active voice. Adam is actively trying to impress the company. Although it adds more detail, it doesn't align with the requirement of a passive voice construction.

D. was hired by

If we select "was hired by," the sentence becomes: "Adam was hired by the company where he had his first interview." This is in the passive voice. The company performed the action of hiring, and Adam received the action. This option fits perfectly with what the question requires.

Why D. was hired by is the Correct Answer

The correct answer is D. was hired by because it's the only option that puts the sentence in the passive voice. In the passive voice, the subject (Adam) receives the action rather than performs it. The sentence emphasizes that the company did the hiring, and Adam was the recipient of that action. Here’s why it works:

• Passive Construction: The phrase "was hired by" uses the auxiliary verb "was" and the past participle "hired," which are key components of the passive voice.
• Emphasis: The sentence shifts the focus from Adam's actions to the company's action of hiring him. This is a typical use of the passive voice – to emphasize the action or the object of the action.
• Contextual Fit: It makes logical sense that after having an interview, Adam might be hired by the company. The sentence suggests a positive outcome from the interview process.

Understanding the passive voice is crucial because it allows you to vary your writing style and emphasize different aspects of a situation. For example, if the focus is on the company’s decision rather than Adam’s efforts, the passive voice is the better choice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When dealing with the passive voice, there are a few common mistakes that you should avoid:

• Using the Active Voice When the Passive Voice is Required: Make sure you understand the context and whether the subject should be performing or receiving the action.
• Incorrect Verb Forms: The passive voice requires the correct form of the auxiliary verb (e.g., is, was, are, were, has been, have been) and the past participle of the main verb.
• Unnecessary Use of the Passive Voice: While the passive voice is useful, overuse can make your writing sound awkward or unclear. Use it strategically to emphasize specific elements.

Additional Tips for Mastering the Passive Voice

Here are some extra tips to help you master the passive voice:

• Practice Regularly: The more you practice, the more comfortable you'll become with identifying and using the passive voice.
• Read Widely: Pay attention to how the passive voice is used in different types of writing, from news articles to academic papers.
• Get Feedback: Ask others to review your writing and provide feedback on your use of the passive voice.
• Use Online Resources: There are many websites and apps that offer exercises and explanations on the passive voice.

Examples of Passive Voice in Sentences

Let's explore more examples of sentences in the passive voice to solidify your understanding:

1. The report was written by the committee.
2. The cake was baked by Mary.
3. The house was built in 1920.
4. The email was sent yesterday.
5. The car was repaired by the mechanic.

In each of these examples, the subject of the sentence (report, cake, house, email, car) is receiving the action, and the agent performing the action is either mentioned with "by" or implied.

Active vs. Passive Voice: A Quick Comparison

To further clarify the difference, let's compare active and passive voice in a few examples:

Notice how the subject and object switch places, and the passive voice includes a form of the verb "to be" and the past participle of the main verb.

Conclusion

So, to wrap it up, the correct answer is D. was hired by. Understanding the nuances of active and passive voice is essential for clear and effective communication. By recognizing how each voice functions and practicing its application, you can significantly enhance your writing skills. Keep practicing, and soon you'll be a pro at using the passive voice! Remember, the key is to identify whether the subject is performing the action or receiving it. If the subject is receiving the action, you're likely dealing with the passive voice. Good luck, and keep learning!