Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The difficulty in this sentence lies in the use of a Gerund (flattering) acting as the object of the verb ``likes.''
When a sentence describes a subject's preference regarding an action done to them, the main verb of preference (like, hate, love, prefer) usually remains in the active voice because the subject is still the one doing the ``liking.''
The passive transformation occurs inside the gerund phrase itself. The active gerund (verb-ing) becomes a passive gerund (being + V3).
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Let's dissect the sentence:
- Main Subject: ``He''
- Main Verb: ``likes''
- Active Gerund Phrase: ``people flattering him''
In the phrase ``people flattering him,'' ``people'' is the agent and ``him'' is the object.
To convert the phrase to passive:
1. The object ``him'' becomes the focus (since it's already the subject of the main verb, we don't repeat it).
2. The active gerund ``flattering'' becomes ``being flattered.''
3. The agent ``people'' can be added with ``by,'' but it is often omitted when the focus is on the experience of the subject.
Why Option (B) over Option (A)?
- Option (A) ``to be flattered'' is a Passive Infinitive. While grammatically correct, the original sentence used a gerund (``flattering''). In competitive exams, you must match the verbal form of the original sentence as closely as possible. Since the active used a gerund, the passive should use a gerund.
- Option (C) and (D) change the meaning. The original says he likes something; these options say people like him.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The most accurate and direct passive conversion that maintains the gerund structure is Option (B): ``He likes being flattered.''