Select the appropriate option to convert the given statement into Passive Voice-
"He handed her a cheque".
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 1
The correct answer is Option (1) → A cheque was handed to her.
Passive voice of a verb with two objects (simple past):
Either object can become the subject:
- A cheque was handed to her (the thing as subject, "to" before the person).
- She was handed a cheque (the person as subject).
| Change | Active | Passive | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Object becomes subject | her a cheque | A cheque ... to her | “Handed” has two objects: “her” (indirect object, the person) and “a cheque” (direct object, the thing). |
| Tense kept | handed | was handed | Simple past passive = was/were + past participle: “was handed”. |
| Agent (by ...) | He | (by him) left out | “By him” is usually left out. |
| Full sentence | He handed her a cheque. | A cheque was handed to her. |
Example: They gave him a prize. → A prize was given to him.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 2: A cheque has been handed to her. — Incorrect. "has been handed" is the present perfect passive. The active sentence is in the simple past.
Option 3: A cheque is being handed to her. — Incorrect. "is being handed" is the present continuous passive, a different tense.
Option 4: She has been handed a cheque. — Incorrect. Making "she" the subject is possible, but "has been handed" changes the simple past into the present perfect. It should be "She was handed a cheque".