Select the alternative from the given options that best expresses the same sentence in active/passive voice.
Who built this colossal architectural structure?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
The correct answer is option 1 i.e. By whom was this colossal architectural structure built?
To convert the active question “Who built this colossal architectural structure?” into passive voice correctly, follow this structure:
- Use “By whom” to ask about the agent,
- Insert the appropriate form of “be” (in past tense “was”),
- Follow with the past participle (“built”),
- Then include the original subject (“this colossal architectural structure”).
This gives us: “By whom was this colossal architectural structure built?”
Option 2 – “By whom has this colossal architectural structure been built?” uses present perfect passive, which implies recent completion. It changes the tense meaning, making it incorrect for a simple past question.
Option 3 – “By whom is this colossal architectural structure built?” uses present simple passive, suggesting ongoing or habitual construction—again incorrect contextually.
Option 4 – “Who had this colossal architectural structure built?” is active voice in past perfect tense, asking about someone who caused another person to build it—not equivalent to the original question.