THE PASSIVE VOICE THE PASSIVE VOICE

The passive is used when the receiver of the action is more important than the doer o when we want to refer to The passive is used when the receiver of the action is more important than the doer o when we want to refer to
something in a general way. It is very common in formal style. something in a general way. It is very common in formal style.

Form Form
The active subject becomes the agent. The The active subject becomes the agent. The
verb is replaced by “to be” in the same tense verb is replaced by “to be” in the same tense
which is followed by the past participle. which is followed by the past participle.

Verbs with one object (usual): The cat ate the mouse  The mouse was eaten (by the cat). Verbs with one object (usual): The cat ate the mouse  The mouse was eaten (by the cat).

Verbs with two objects (2 options): Peter gave Sam a pen  1. A pen was given to Sam. 2. Sam was given a pen. Verbs with two objects (2 options): Peter gave Sam a pen  1. A pen was given to Sam. 2. Sam was given a pen.

Clauses as objects: People thought that she was attractive. *That she was attractive was thought. However, there Clauses as objects: People thought that she was attractive. *That she was attractive was thought. However, there
are other two possibilities: It was thought that she was attractive. She was thought to be attractive. are other two possibilities: It was thought that she was attractive. She was thought to be attractive.

Practice Practice

John collects money. - John collects money. -

Anna opened the window. - Anna opened the window. -

We have done our homework. - We have done our homework. -

I will ask a question. - I will ask a question. -

He can cut out the picture. - He can cut out the picture. -

The sheep ate a lot. - The sheep ate a lot. -

We do not clean our rooms. - We do not clean our rooms. -

William will not repair the car. - William will not repair the car. -

Did Sue draw this circle? – Did Sue draw this circle? -