Choose the option that is the correct passive voice of the given sentence. Distribute the papers?

Appeared in: JSSH Staff Nurse - 2019

Explanation

The given sentence is an imperative sentence, which expresses a command.
The standard structure for converting an active imperative sentence to passive voice is: Let + Object + be + Past Participle (V3).
Applying this rule to "Distribute the papers," the verb is 'Distribute' and the object is 'the papers'.
The correct passive construction is therefore "Let the papers be distributed.".

Option B: This option introduces the modal verb 'need,' which changes the tone and meaning from a direct command to a statement of necessity.
Option C: This option uses the modal verb 'must,' which alters the meaning from a simple command to a statement of strong obligation or compulsion.
Option D: This option is grammatically incorrect because it omits the auxiliary verb 'be' before the past participle 'distributed.' The passive voice structure requires 'be' + V3.

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 English grammar, a non-nursing subject area essential for clear communication.
Clear and grammatically correct communication is critical in healthcare for writing patient notes, giving instructions, and ensuring patient safety. Ambiguity can lead to errors.
What if the sentence was a question like "Should I distribute the papers?" The passive form would be "Should the papers be distributed?" The structure changes based on the sentence type (imperative vs. interrogative).

How to Approach the Question

First, identify the type of sentence in the question. "Distribute the papers" is an imperative sentence (a command).
Recall the specific grammatical rule for converting this type of sentence into the passive voice.
For imperative sentences, the rule is: Let + Object + be + Past Participle (V3).
Apply this rule to the given sentence: 'Let' + 'the papers' (Object) + 'be' + 'distributed' (V3 of Distribute).
Compare your resulting sentence, "Let the papers be distributed," with the given options.
Eliminate options that are grammatically incorrect (like missing 'be') or that change the original meaning by adding new modal verbs (like 'need' or 'must').

Concept Tested & Keywords

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