Question:
Choose the correct passive or active form of the given sentence. “He likes people flattering him.”
Choose the correct passive or active form of the given sentence. “He likes people flattering him.”
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When turning an active gerund (verb-ing) into a passive phrase, look for options containing "being + V3". This helps you quickly spot the correct structure without changing the meaning of the main verb!
Updated On: May 30, 2026
- He likes to be flattered by people.
- He likes being flattered.
- Flattering him is liked by people.
- He is liked when people flatter him.
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Verified By Collegedunia
The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
This sentence features a gerund phrase ("flattering him") acting as the direct object of the principal verb "likes". When converting sentences containing a gerund phrase into the passive voice, the main verb ("likes") remains unchanged because the subject ("He") still performs the emotional preference. The passive transformation occurs completely within the gerund element itself.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let's look at the object verbal component: Active Gerund structure: "flattering him" (verb-ing + object pronoun). Passive Gerund conversion rule: "being + past participle (V3)". The passive equivalent of "flattering him" becomes "being flattered". Now attach this passive gerund back to the unchanged initial subject and verb phrase: \[ \text{"He likes"} + \text{"being flattered"} \implies \text{"He likes being flattered."} \] The phrase "by people" is omitted because it represents an indefinite, obvious agent that adds no new meaning. While Option (b) attempts a passive infinitive ("to be flattered"), it alters the original active gerund structure ("flattering"). Options (c) and (d) shift the sentence focus entirely away from his personal preference. Thus, Option (a) is the best choice.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The correct passive form is option (b).
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