THE PASSIVE GRAMMAR STRUCTURE BE PAST PARTICIPLE In
THE PASSIVE GRAMMAR
STRUCTURE BE + PAST PARTICIPLE In the same tense we would use in the active sentence. Spielberg directed the film “Jaws 1” was directed by Spielberg. The police arrests criminals. Criminals are arrested by the police.
When we change an active sentence to a passive sentence… Subject Verb Direct Object Kurt Cobain wrote the song “Smells like teen spirit”. The song “Smells like teen spirit”. was written BY Kurt Cobain Subject Verb Agent
BY + AGENT In a passive sentence, we use BY + AGENT. We use it when it is important information. But we omit BY + AGENT: 1) when the agent is unknown, 2) when the agent is not very important, 3) if we do not want to name the agent. The criminal has just been arrested (by the police). He was given a nice present (by them).
USE We use the passive voice: 1. to emphasize the action (the verb) rather than who or what carried out the action (the agent). 2. to put the most imporant idea at the beginning of the sentence. Many rock stars have held concerts here. Concerts have been held here by many rock stars.
VERBS WITH TWO OBJECTS Some sentences, have two objects: DIRECT OBJECT and INDIRECT OBJECT. Then, it is more common to use the INDIRECT OBJECT as a SUBJECT. Subject Verb IO DO They showed me their last album. I was showed their last album (BY them). Subject Verb DO Agent
THE PASSIVE WITH REPORTING VERBS We can use the passive to report feelings and beliefs. The agent is only included if it is necessary. Reporting verbs commonly used: accept, believe, expect, hope, know, say, think, understood. There are two different structures: 1. Subject + passive reporting verb + to + infinitive: U 2 is said to be a great band. 2. It + passive reporting verb + that: It is known that many pop singers come from England.
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