In the following question, the given sentence is in the Active voice. Choose the option that correctly expresses the same idea in the Passive voice:\n\nGopal ran the marathon in record time.

Introduction / Context:
This question checks your understanding of transforming a sentence from Active voice to Passive voice without changing its tense or meaning. The original sentence describes a completed action in the simple past tense. Correct passive transformation is a frequent topic in English grammar exams because it requires control over subject, object, verb form, and time reference in a single step.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Active sentence: Gopal ran the marathon in record time.
• Subject in the active voice: Gopal.
• Object in the active voice: the marathon.
• Verb: ran, which is simple past of run.
• Adverbial phrase: in record time, which must be preserved.

Concept / Approach:
To change from active to passive voice for a transitive verb in the simple past tense, we use the pattern: object of active sentence + was or were + past participle of the verb + by + original subject. Here, the marathon is singular, so we use was run. The phrase in record time is an adverbial phrase of manner and should stay at the end or near the end of the sentence. The passive sentence must therefore read The marathon was run by Gopal in record time.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Identify the object in the active sentence: the marathon. Step 2: Bring the object to the subject position in the passive sentence: The marathon ... Step 3: Keep the tense as simple past, so use was run as the passive form of ran. Step 4: Introduce the doer using by and keep the adverbial phrase: by Gopal in record time.

Verification / Alternative check:
Check the meaning: The marathon was run by Gopal in record time clearly states that Gopal was the person who ran the marathon, and he did so in record time. The tense remains past, and no information is lost. Saying this sentence aloud shows that it is natural English. You can also convert back to active voice: Gopal ran the marathon in record time, which matches the original sentence perfectly.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option B uses is run, which changes the tense to simple present and no longer refers to a completed past event. Option C, Gopal in record time run the marathon, is ungrammatical because the verb form is incorrect and the word order is awkward. Option D, Gopal in record time is running the marathon, changes the verb to present continuous and therefore changes the time frame and meaning of the sentence.

Common Pitfalls:
Students often forget to keep the tense unchanged when switching between active and passive. Another common error is to omit the agent introduced by by, which may sometimes be acceptable but here is clearly required by the question. Some learners also misplace adverbial phrases like in record time, which can result in unnatural or ambiguous sentences.

Final Answer:
The correct passive transformation of the sentence is The marathon was run by Gopal in record time.