Convert the sentence provided below from its passive voice structure to an active voice structure:
A decision has been taken to have the proposal reviewed by an external panel.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
The correct answer is Option 3 i.e. They have decided to get the proposal reviewed by an external panel.
About the given sentence:
Type of sentence: Assertive
Tense: Present Perfect tense
Voice: Passive voice
Subject: A decision
Object: Implicit (They/The authorities)
Structure for conversion:
Active: Subject + has/have + verb (IIIrd form) + object...
Passive: Object + has/have + been + verb (IIIrd form) + by + subject...
Explanation of the Transition:
Identifying the Implicit Subject: In the passive sentence, the "doer" is not mentioned. When converting to active voice, we must introduce a logical subject like "They" to perform the action.
Removing the Passive Marker: The auxiliary "been" is removed because it is only used in the passive form of the Present Perfect tense.
Verb Agreement: Since the new subject "They" is plural, the auxiliary verb changes from "has" (used with the singular "decision") to "have".
Maintaining the Complement: The phrase "to have the proposal reviewed..." remains as the object of the decision.
Converted sentence: They have decided to get the proposal reviewed by an external panel.
Hence, the chosen option is correct.