Final answer:
The sentences have been revised into passive voice by ensuring the subjects are the recipients of the actions, sometimes including a 'by' clause signaling who or what is performing the action. The result is a more neutral tone, common in technical writing.
Step-by-step explanation:
To revise sentences into the passive voice, we must ensure the subject is being acted upon rather than performing the action. Here are the revised sentences:
- A serious error seems to have been made by the folks in Accounting in this report.
- Your order for smart surge protectors cannot be shipped until May 5.
- A warning regarding the use of this pesticide was first issued by the government more than 15 months ago.
- Damage to rental cars is not automatically covered by your insurance policy.
In these sentences, actions are being performed on the subjects, and the agent performing the action might be mentioned after a 'by' clause or omitted if not necessary for the understanding of the sentence. This construct often gives a sense of objectivity or neutrality, which is why it is commonly used in scientific or technical writing. However, overuse of passive voice can make writing seem less engaging.