Choose the correct passive construction(s) of the given sentence:
Return the borrowed library books before the summer vacation begins.
(A) Let the borrowed library books be returned before the summer vacation begins.
(B) Let the borrowed library books return before the summer vacation begins.
(C) Before the summer vacation begins, let the borrowed library books be returned.
(D) The borrowed library books are returned before the summer vacation begins.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 4
The correct answer is Option (4) → (A) and (C) only
Passive of an order:
| Change | Active | Passive | Why |
|---|---|---|---|
| Order made passive | Return | Let ... be returned | “Return” is an order. In the passive it takes Let + object + be + past participle (V3). |
| Object becomes subject | the borrowed library books | the borrowed library books | The books receive the action, so they come after “Let”. |
| Doer understood | (you) | (left out) | The order is given to “you”, so no “by you” is added. |
| Full sentence | Return the borrowed library books before the summer vacation begins. | (A) Let the borrowed library books be returned before the summer vacation begins. (C) Before the summer vacation begins, let the borrowed library books be returned. |
Other orders change the same way. Example: Fold the blankets neatly. → Let the blankets be folded neatly.
(A) Let the borrowed library books be returned before the summer vacation begins. — Correct.
- It uses the usual passive of an order: “Let + the books + be returned”.
(B) Let the borrowed library books return before the summer vacation begins. — Incorrect.
- “Be returned” is missing.
- With only “return”, the books seem to return on their own.
- Correct form: Let the borrowed library books be returned before the summer vacation begins.
(C) Before the summer vacation begins, let the borrowed library books be returned. — Correct.
- It is the same passive as (A): “let + the books + be returned”.
- Only the time part comes first, which does not change the voice.
(D) The borrowed library books are returned before the summer vacation begins. — Incorrect.
- “Are returned” only states a fact or a habit.
- It is no longer an order.
- Correct form: Let the borrowed library books be returned before the summer vacation begins.