Change the following from active to passive:
They should have had the matter re-examined before escalation.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
The correct answer is option 2 i.e. The matter should have been re-examined before escalation.
Active Voice: They should have had the matter re-examined before escalation.
Rules for Conversion to Passive Voice:
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Identify the Object: The object of the main verb phrase is 'the matter.' In the passive voice, this becomes the subject.
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Handle the Modal Perfect: The sentence uses a modal perfect construction (should have had). To convert a modal perfect into the passive voice, we insert the word 'been' between the auxiliary 'have' and the past participle.
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Active: [Modal] + have + [V3]
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Passive: [Modal] + have + been + [V3]
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Causative Structure: The original sentence uses a causative structure (had something re-examined). In the passive transformation, the focus shifts entirely to the action performed on the matter.
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The Subject: The original subject 'They' is a vague or general pronoun. In such cases, the 'by' agent (e.g., by them) is usually omitted in the passive voice because it is understood or unimportant.
Hence, the chosen option is correct.