Transform the following sentence into active voice.
The letter is expected to be delivered by the bearer within the stipulated time.
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: A
Explanation
Correct Answer
They expect the bearer to deliver the letter within the stipulated time.
Explanation
Core Meaning: The sentence expresses a general expectation that a designated messenger will bring a document to its destination before a specific deadline runs out. To solve this quickly for an exam, analyze the layered passive structure "is expected to be delivered." The introductory passive verb "is expected" lacks an explicit agent, meaning it relies on a general, implied plural subject like "They." Converting this primary verb to the active voice yields "They expect." Next, look at the passive infinitive phrase "to be delivered by the bearer." In the active voice, the agent "the bearer" becomes the subject of the infinitive, transforming the phrase into a standard active infinitive structure: "the bearer to deliver the letter." Option 1 correctly executes both active voice shifts while maintaining flawless grammar, whereas Option 4 ruins the structure by using an ungrammatical past form "to delivered."
Key Points
Core Definition: Converting a complex sentence with an implied agent from passive to active voice requires introducing a generic plural subject ("They") and changing the passive infinitive "to be + V3" into a standard active infinitive "to + V1."
Grammatical Role: Restructuring a multi-clause passive sentence into an active construction featuring a primary transitive verb followed by an infinitive objective complement.