Convert the sentence provided below from its passive voice structure to an active voice structure:
The rare manuscripts had been preserved meticulously by the archivists before the fire broke out.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
Correct Answer
The archivists had preserved the rare manuscripts meticulously before the fire broke out.
Explanation
The given sentence is in the Past Perfect tense in passive voice (had been preserved). To convert it into active voice:
The agent performing the action (the archivists) becomes the subject.
The receiver of the action (the rare manuscripts) becomes the object.
The passive verb structure "had been + V3" transforms back into its active form, which is "had + V3" (had preserved).
The secondary time-clause ("before the fire broke out") remains entirely unchanged.
Key Points
Passive: Subject + had been + V3 + by Agent
Active: Agent + had + V3 + Object
Rule: The tense must remain constant. Avoid changing past perfect into present perfect (have preserved/has preserved) or simple past (preserved).