Select the option that expresses the given sentence in passive voice.
Leo Tolstoy wrote many stories for children.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
The correct answer is option 2 i.e. Many stories were written for children by Leo Tolstoy.
The original sentence is in active voice:
'Leo Tolstoy wrote many stories for children.'
Let’s break it down:
Subject: Leo Tolstoy
Verb: wrote (past simple tense)
Object: many stories
Additional detail: for children
To change it to passive voice, follow these steps:
- Move the object ('many stories') to the subject position.
- Use the appropriate form of the verb 'to be' + past participle of the main verb ('write').
- 'wrote' (past simple) → 'were written'
Keep the rest of the information ('for children') and add the agent ('by Leo Tolstoy').
Passive voice: 'Many stories were written for children by Leo Tolstoy.'
Why the other options are incorrect:
Many children wrote stories for Leo Tolstoy.
- Completely changes the meaning — wrong subject and direction of action.
Many stories were written by children for Leo Tolstoy.
- Again, reverses who wrote and for whom — incorrect agent.
Many stories have been written for children by Leo Tolstoy.
- Wrong tense. This is present perfect passive, but the original is past simple.