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Module: | Basic Tense Transformations

Q19: Consider the following statements regarding sentence transformations:

1. The active sentence "A massive fire engulfed the abandoned building" converts to the passive voice as "The abandoned building was engulfed in a massive fire."
2. The active sentence "This large wooden box contains ten expensive cigars" converts to the passive voice as "Ten expensive cigars are contained in this large wooden box."
3. The active sentence "A large excited crowd thronged the cricket stadium" converts to the passive voice as "The cricket stadium was thronged by a large excited crowd."

Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A
Only 1 and 2
B
Only 2 and 3
C
Only 1 and 3
D
All 1, 2, and 3
✅ Correct Answer: A
🎯 Quick Answer:
Statements 1 and 2 correctly apply specific prepositions required by their respective verbs. Statement 3 uses an invalid preposition pairing.
Concept Definition: Continuing the theme of non-standard prepositions, this set tests verbs that inherently pair with prepositions signifying enclosure, containment, or filling ("in" and "with"). Structural Breakdown: The passive form of "engulf" pairs with "in" (engulfed in). The passive form of "contain" pairs with "in" (contained in). Historical/Related Context: The "engulfed in" exception is highly specific and frequently tested in both SSC CHSL and CDS examinations to distinguish top-tier candidates who study advanced grammar rules over basic formulas.
Causal Reasoning: Statement 3 is incorrect because the verb "throng" (meaning to fill or be present in a place in large numbers) requires the preposition "with" when shifted to the passive voice.
The correct transformation is "The cricket stadium was thronged with a large excited crowd."