Choose the best alternative that expresses the sentence in active/passive voice: The postman brought you a parcel?
a. A parcel was brought to you by the postman
b. The parcel a postman brought for you
c. The postman brought a parcel
d. You were brought a parcel by the postman

Appeared in: MNS 2024

Explanation

The original sentence has two objects: an indirect object ('you') and a direct object ('a parcel').
Sentences with two objects can be converted to the passive voice in two ways.
Statement 'a' correctly makes the direct object ('a parcel') the subject of the passive sentence.
Statement 'd' correctly makes the indirect object ('you') the subject of the passive sentence.
Therefore, both 'a' and 'd' are valid passive constructions of the original active sentence.

Option A: This option is incorrect because it includes statement 'b', which is not a grammatically complete sentence but a noun phrase.
Option B: This option is incorrect because it includes statement 'c', which remains in the active voice and omits the indirect object 'you'.
Option D: This option is incorrect because it includes statement 'b', which is a sentence fragment and not a valid passive construction.

Clinical Relevance

Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Active and Passive Voice as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
This question tests general English grammar, which is a non-nursing subject included in nursing entrance examinations.
Strong command of grammar is essential for clear and accurate documentation, patient communication, and understanding written orders, which are critical nursing skills.
What if the sentence was 'The postman brought a parcel'? This sentence only has a direct object ('a parcel'). It can only be made passive in one way: 'A parcel was brought by the postman.'.

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the components of the original sentence: Subject (The postman), Verb (brought), Indirect Object (you), and Direct Object (a parcel).
Recognize that the sentence is in the active voice.
Recall the rule that active sentences with two objects can be converted to passive voice in two ways.
Method 1: Make the direct object the new subject. The new sentence will be: [Direct Object] + [be-verb + past participle] + to/for + [Indirect Object] + by + [Original Subject]. This corresponds to statement 'a'.
Method 2: Make the indirect object the new subject. The new sentence will be: [Indirect Object] + [be-verb + past participle] + [Direct Object] + by + [Original Subject]. This corresponds to statement 'd'.
Evaluate the given statements (a, b, c, d) against these correct structures.

Concept Tested & Keywords

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Practise the full MNS 2024

Attempt every question from this paper in a timed mock, then review the full solution for each one.