Identify the correct passive form of the sentence :
"It is said that they know it."

Question

Accepted Answer

Option 3, "Everybody says that it is known to them," is the most appropriate passive-like transformation of the original sentence, "It is said that they know it," because it effectively conveys the same meaning while shifting the focus. Here's why:

*   **Meaning Preservation:** The original sentence implies a general consensus or widespread belief. Option 3 captures this by using "Everybody says," which is a more active way of expressing the same idea. The phrase "it is known to them" maintains the core information that 'they' possess the knowledge.

*   **Passive Voice Implication:** While not a direct passive voice construction of the entire original sentence, Option 3 effectively transforms the *implied* active voice portion. The original sentence, "It is said that they know it," implies someone is saying it. Option 3 makes this explicit with "Everybody says." The second part, "that it is known to them," is a passive construction of "they know it."

Now, let's examine why the other options are incorrect:

*   **Option 1: It is being said that they known it.** This option is grammatically incorrect. "Known" is the past participle and should be used with "have" or "has" to form the present perfect tense. Also, "is being said" is typically used for ongoing actions, which doesn't fit the general statement of the original sentence.

*   **Option 2: They said it that it was known by them.** This option changes the meaning and structure significantly. It implies a specific instance of them saying something, rather than a general understanding. The phrasing is also awkward and unnatural.

*   **Option 4: That they know it has been said by them.** This option is grammatically correct but alters the emphasis and meaning. It focuses on the *act of saying* rather than the *knowledge* itself. It also implies a specific group ("them") is responsible for the statement, which isn't the implication of the original sentence. The original sentence implies a more general, unspecified source of the statement.

In conclusion, Option 3, "Everybody says that it is known to them," is the best choice because it maintains the original sentence's meaning of a general belief and uses a construction that effectively conveys the passive-like sense of the original statement. The other options either change the meaning, are grammatically incorrect, or shift the emphasis in a way that doesn't align with the original sentence.