Select the option that expresses the given sentence in passive voice.
Students can borrow these reference books only for a week.
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → These reference books can be borrowed by students only for a week.
Passive with the modal “can”:
| Change | Active | Passive | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Object becomes subject | these reference books | These reference books | The reference books receive the action, so they become the subject. |
| Modal kept | can borrow | can be borrowed | “Can” stays as it is, and “borrow” becomes be + past participle (V3): “be borrowed”. |
| Agent (by ...) | Students | by students | The students are the ones who borrow, so they come after “by”. |
| Full sentence | Students can borrow these reference books only for a week. | These reference books can be borrowed by students only for a week. |
Other modals work the same way: may, must, should and will + be + V3. Example: Visitors may take photographs in the garden. → Photographs may be taken by visitors in the garden.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 2: These reference books can borrowed by students only for a week. — Incorrect. The word “be” is missing. After “can”, the passive needs “be + V3”.
Option 3: These reference books could be borrowed by students only for a week. — Incorrect. “Could” changes the modal. The active uses “can” for a rule that holds now.
Option 4: These reference books are borrowed by students only for a week. — Incorrect. “Are borrowed” drops “can”. It states a habit and loses the idea of what students are allowed to do.