Passive Voice

THE PASSIVE (“be” + past participle)

We form the passive with the verb to be in the appropriate tense and the past participle of the main verb. The following tense forms are usually used in the passive:

Because of the need to combine be / been with being (e.g. We will be being watched … or We have been being watched) we avoid using the passive in the Present Perfect Continuous, the

Past Perfect Continuous, the Future Continuous and the Future Perfect Continuous:

Avoid: The road will have been being repaired for another two months. Instead say: The road will have been under repair for another two months.

Or use the active: They will have been repairing the road for another two months.

We use the passive:

When the person or people who do the action are unknown, unimportant or obvious from the context: A parcel was left on my doorstep. (The identity of the deliverer is unknown.)

The film was made in 1903. (It’s not important to know who made it.) Passports must be presented at the border crossing. (It’s obvious that the passport holders must present their passports.)

When the action itself is more important than the person / people who do it, as in news

headlines, newspaper articles, formal notices, advertisements, instructions, etc.: Violators will be heavily fined. The wedding ceremony will be held on October 15th.

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When we want to avoid taking responsibility for an action or when we refer to an unpleasant event and we do not want to say who or what is to blame: The original documents have been misplaced. Ten passengers were seriously injured in the accident.

Changing from the active to the passive:

The object of the active sentence becomes the subject in the passive sentence.

The active verb remains in the same tense but changes into a passive form.

The subject of the active sentence becomes the agent, and is either introduced with the preposition “by” or is omitted.

e.g. The gardener was watering the plants.

The plants were being watered by the gardener.

Only transitive verbs (verbs that take an object) can be changed into the passive: I slept well last night. (intransitive verb “sleep” cannot be changed into the passive).

Note: Some transitive verbs (have, be, exist, seem, fit, suit, resemble, lack, etc.) cannot be changed into the passive: I have a chronic back problem. NOT: A chronic back problem is had by me.

We can use the verb to get instead of the verb to be in everyday speech when we talk about things that happen by accident or unexpectedly: He got injured when he was playing rugby. (instead of he was injured …)

By + the agent is used to say who or what carries out an action. With + instrument / material / ingredient is used to say what the agent used: The World Cup was won by Argentina. The steak was sprinkled with white pepper.

Compare the sentences:

-He was killed by a stone. (by accident)

-He was killed with a stone. (on purpose)

The agent can be omitted when the subject is they, he, someone / somebody, people, one, etc.: Nobody found the answer. = The answer was not found.

The agent is not omitted when it is a specific or important person, or when it is essential to the meaning of the sentence: The film was directed by Coppola.

With verbs which can take two objects, such as bring (somebody something or something to somebody), tell, send, show, teach, promise, buy, sell, read, offer, give, lend, ask, pay, etc., we can form two different passive sentences.

e.g. My employer promised me a pay rise. (active). Or: My employer promised a pay rise to me. (active)

I was promised a pay rise by my employer (passive, more usual)

A pay rise was promised to me by my employer. (passive, less usual) Note:

Some verbs, e.g. explain (something to somebody), suggest , announce, dictate, describe, mention, repeat, propose, demonstrate, etc. can only form one passive sentence (they cannot change the indirect object to subject): The decision was announced to us. The difficulty was explained to her.

If in an active sentence a preposition follows a verb, then in the passive it is placed immediately after the verb: The tide washed the sandcastle away. – The sandcastle was washed away by the tide.

The verbs hear, help, see and make are followed by the bare infinitive in the active but by the to-infinitive in the passive: The police officer made the driver move his car. – The driver was made to move her car.

“Let” becomes “be allowed to” in the passive: Betty let the children stay up past midnight. – The children were allowed to stay up past midnight.

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When we want to find out who or what performed an action, the passive question form is

Who/What …by? e.g. What was the ulcer caused by? Or: Who was the book written by?

With the verbs allege, believe, consider, expect, know, report, suppose, think, understand, etc. we use two passive constructions:

-impersonal: It is reported that the police are looking for a missing boy. (less usual)

-personal: The police are reported to be looking for a missing boy. (more usual)

With some transitive verbs we can change the subject without using the passive: begin, blow, decrease, expand, increase, open, close, finish, fade, stretch, crack, crease, sell, read, photograph, wash, dry, etc. By changing the subject of the sentence in this way, the active transitive verb becomes intransitive: The whistle blew. Your composition reads well. This skirt creases so easily. She photographs very well.

CAUSATIVE FORM (have/ get something done)

We use have + object + past participle to say that we have arranged for someone to do something for us. The past participle has a passive meaning: Jackie had her hair dyed. (She didn’t dye it herself!)

Questions and negations of the verb “have” are formed with auxiliary verbs which we normally use with grammar tenses in the active, e.g. do / does (present simple), did (past simple), will (future simple), have (perfect simple and continuous), etc.: Did you have the computer repaired yesterday? How long have you been having your car serviced?

We also use have something done to talk about an unpleasant experience that somebody had: Last night she had her passport stolen. (= her passport was stolen by someone)

We can use the verb get instead of have in informal conversation: I’m going to get my windows washed at the weekend.

Note: The word order is very important: Leo had his hair dyed and Leo had dyed his hair have very different meanings. In the first case Leo arranged for someone else to dye his hair, whereas in the second case he dyed it himself.

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Exercise 1. Rewrite these sentences in the passive.

1.We do not add any preservatives to our products.

______________________________________________________________

2.The Government is now building a new ring road round the city.

______________________________________________________________

3.Will they publish her new book next month?

______________________________________________________________

4.They will have completed the new motorway by Christmas.

______________________________________________________________

5.We haven’t cleaned the house for weeks.

______________________________________________________________

6.The company cut the water off because Mr and Mrs Dixon hadn’t paid their bill.

______________________________________________________________

7.They are going to open a new supermarket next week.

______________________________________________________________

8.They couldn’t use the car because the garage was servicing it.

______________________________________________________________

9.They publish a lot of books on information technology.

______________________________________________________________

10.Someone must have changed the time of the meeting.

______________________________________________________________

11.Nobody informed the police that there had been a mistake.

______________________________________________________________

12.I didn’t realize that somebody was recording our conversation.

______________________________________________________________

13.During the summer, the café was employing more waiters every week.

______________________________________________________________

14.The students must pay all their own fees for this course.

______________________________________________________________

15.When we got to the stadium, we found that they had cancelled the game.

______________________________________________________________

16.Is anyone using this computer?

______________________________________________________________

17.Do you suppose your brother could have written that email?

______________________________________________________________

18.I think they should have offered Tom the job.

______________________________________________________________

19.They have been teaching Peter to sing for many years.

______________________________________________________________

20.Linda’s colleagues gave her a present when she retired.

______________________________________________________________

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Exercise 2. Fill in each space using the correct passive form of the verb in brackets.

1.The news __________________________every day from 6 a.m. to midnight. (broadcast)

2.The police report that the missing person ________________________. (find)

3.At this moment the suspect ___________________________by the police. (interview)

4.And now a newsflash. The President ________________________ with committing perjury. (charge)

5.A new security system ________________________ in all our offices in the next few weeks. (install)

6.By November 30th a new government __________________________. (elect)

7.When we got home, we realized the house _________________________. (burgle)

8.The building ________________________ when a second bomb went off. (evacuate)

9.The Government says tax reforms __________________________ in the new year. (introduce)

10.Newspapers in some countries _____________________________ in kiosks as well as shops. (sell)

11.The grammar rule is going to _____________________________ to the students. (explain)

12.A mystery is something that can’t __________________________ (explain)

13.A number of priceless works of art ______________________ in the earthquake. (destroy)

14.A new drug ________________________ to combat asthma in small children. (develop)

15.Because my visa had expired I _________________________ from re-entering the country. (prevent)

16.The vegetables didn’t taste very good. They ____________________ too long. (cook)

17.A number of political prisoners _______________________ within the next few days. (release)

18.It’s incredible to think that these clothes _______________________ by Queen Victoria. (wear)

19.He was a mystery man. Very little ______________________ about him. (know)

20.Do you think that more money should _______________________ on education? (spend)

21.The situation is serious. Something must ___________________ before it’s too late. (do)

22.I haven’t received the letter. It might _______________________ to the wrong address. (send)

23.Are you going to the party? – No, I _____________________. (not invite)

24.Ann can’t use her office at the moment. It _____________________. (redecorate)

25.A friend of mine was mugged on his way home a few nights ago. You

_____________________? (ever mug)

Exercise 3. Rewrite the following active sentences using two passive forms, making the underlined words the subject. Omit the agent if it is not necessary.

Example: The company sent him a letter.

He was sent a letter by the company. – A letter was sent to him by the company.

1. They’ve just sent me a whole lot of junk mail.

I have just been sent a whole lot of junk mail by them.

A whole lot of junk mail has just been sent to me by them.

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2. The Credit Bank lent me two thousand pounds in 2004.

I was lented two thousand pounds in 2004 by the Credit Bank. Two thousand pounds were lented me in 2004 by the Credit Bank.

3.They gave each of the children a bottle of milk every day. Each of the children is given a bottle of milk every day.

A bottle of milk is given to each of the children every day.

4.They showed us the sights of the city.

We were shown the sights of the city.

The sights of the city were shown to us.

5.They will pay the workers $50 every Friday. The workers will be paid $50 every Friday. $50 will be paid to workers every Friday.

6.Someone had promised the children more food. The children had been promised more food. More food had been promised the children.

7.The magician told them the secret.

They were told the secret by the magician.

The secret was told them by the magician.

8.They offered her the job. She was offered the job. The job was offered her.

9.One of his uncles had taught him maths. He was taught maths by one of his uncles. Maths was taught to him by one of his uncles.

10.Someone gave the animal charity a lot of money.

Someone should have offered Mary a drink when she arrived.

_____________________________________________________________________

Someone is sending him threatening letters.

_____________________________________________________________________

Somebody paid the men $400.

_____________________________________________________________________

We will give you plenty of time to decide.

_____________________________________________________________________

They asked me some difficult questions at the interview.

_____________________________________________________________________

Exercise 4. Write these sentences in another way.

1. It is expected that the weather will be good tomorrow.

The weather is __________________________________________________________ . 2. It is believed that the thieves got in through the window in the roof.

The thieves _____________________________________________________________ . 3. It reported that many people are homeless after the floods.

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Many people ____________________________________________________________ . 4. It is thought that the prisoner escaped by climbing over the wall.

The prisoner _____________________________________________________________ . 5. It is alleged that the man was driving at 110 miles an hour.

The man ________________________________________________________________ . 6. It is reported that the building has been badly damaged by the fire.

The building _____________________________________________________________ . 7. It is said that the company is losing a lot of money.

The company ____________________________________________________________ . 8. It is believed that the company lost a lot of money last year.

The company ____________________________________________________________ . 9. It is expected that the company will make a loss this year.

The company ____________________________________________________________ . 10. It is reported that the crash was the result of pilot error.

The crash _______________________________________________________________ . 11. It is said that house prices are too high.

The house prices __________________________________________________________ . 12. It is thought that the hospital is short of money.

The hospital ______________________________________________________________ . 13. It was alleged that the athlete had cheated.

The athlete _______________________________________________________________ . 14. It is reported that the prime minister is resigning.

The prime minister _________________________________________________________ . 15. It is expected that the new sports stadium will be finished soon.

The new sports stadium _____________________________________________________ . 16. It is generally considered that 16 is too young to get married.

16 ______________________________________________________________________ . 17. It was thought that the book had been destroyed.

The book _________________________________________________________________ . 18. It is believed that the children have been hiding for two weeks.

The children _______________________________________________________________ . 19. It is expected that the company will set up a computer network this year.

The company ______________________________________________________________ . 19. It is said that he is working on a new software package.

He _______________________________________________________________________ . 20. It is believed that they have left the country.

They _____________________________________________________________________ .

Exercise 5. Rewrite the sentences using have (get) something done.

1.Diane’s passport was taken away from her by the police.

2.Sarah’s new fridge will be delivered tomorrow.

3.My eyes are usually tested by the optician.

4.Jane’s living room is going to be refurnished next month.

5.Mr Brown’s new novel has just been published.

6.George’ nose was broken in a fight.

7.Our house is being painted at the moment.

8.Pete’s car was vandalized a few nights ago.

9.All their money has been stolen from them.

10.His application for citizenship has been turned down.

11.The gardener has been mowing her lawn for two hours already.

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12.Somebody broke into our neighbours’ house when they were away on holiday.

13.This time tomorrow morning the doctor will be x-raying my chest.

14.Fred’s hat was blown off in the wind.

15.The furniture shop is going to deliver our sofa today.

16.The hairdresser is styling Monica’s hair at the moment.

17.I’ve lost my key. I’ll have to ask the locksmith to make another one for me.

Exercise 6. Complete the second sentence using the verb and other words in brackets. Use the causative form with have or get.

Example: A: “Your hair looks nice.”

B: “Thanks, I’ve just _____________________ .” (cut)

B:“Thanks, I’ve just had it cut.”

1.A: “I’m finding it difficult to read small print nowadays.”

B:“Why don’t you go and ________________________ ?” (eyes; test)

2.A: “What a lovely dress – where did you buy it?”

B:“I didn’t. I _______________________ by the dressmaker.” (make)

3.A: “My car’s been making some funny noises just lately.”

B:“You should ______________________.” (service)

4.A: “Your hair looks different! What have you done to it?”

B:“I ____________________________ , that’s all.” (just; cut)

5.A: “This house is freezing.”

B:“Yes, we need ________________________ .” (central heating; install)

6.A: ‘The living room looks lovely.”

B:“I’m glad you like it. We’ve __________________________.” (just; redecorate)

7.A: “Why aren’t you wearing your watch?”

B:“I ___________________________ at the moment.” (repair)

8.A: “Oops! Sorry, I’ve spilt some wine on your trousers.”

B:“Don’t worry. I was going to _______________________ anyway.” (clean)

9.A: “That tree is blocking the view from my front window.”

B:“Well. You don’t expect me ________________________ , do you?” (cut down)

10.A: “I’ve got a terrible toothache.”

B:“Well, why don’t you go and ________________________ ?” (that cavity; fill)

11.A: “What are those workmen doing in your garden?”

B:“Oh, we ______________________________ .” (a garage; build)

12.A: “Can I see the photographs you took when you were on holiday?”

B:“I’m afraid I ___________________________ yet.” (the film; not develop)

13.A:” I heard your computer wasn’t working.”

B:“That’s right, but it’s OK now. I ________________________ .” (it; repair)

14.A: “I hear John is in hospital.”

B:“Yes, he is. He _________________________ in a fight.” (his jaw; break)

15.A: “Women look fantastic when they are wearing earrings!”

B:“If you want to wear earrings, why don’t you ______________________?” (your

ears; pierce)

Exercise 6. Translate the following sentences into English using the passive.

1.Сейчас он получает более высокую зарплату. Ему дали повышение.

2.Мой сосед исчез две недели тому назад, и с тех пор его никто не видел.

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3.Это платье нельзя стирать, его нужно отдать в химчистку.

4.Сотни людей ежедневно погибают на дорогах или получают серьезные травмы. Неужели нельзя ничего с этим сделать?

5.Преступник сбежал, когда его перевозили из одной тюрьмы в другую.

6.С помощью компьютера эту работу можно сделать гораздо быстрее.

7.Мне вчера вернули мои ключи. Кто-то подобрал их на улице около магазина, где я делал покупки.

8.Не шумите. В этой аудитории экзаменуют первокурсников, которые пересдают экзамен по микроэкономике.

9.Спортивный зал в вашей школе уже отремонтировали? – Нет еще. Я думаю, его будут ремонтировать все лето.

10.Не беспокойтесь. О вашем сыне будут хорошо заботиться, и он будет обеспечен всеми необходимыми лекарствами.

11.Вдруг она поняла, что на нее смотрят, и очень смутилась.

12.Мне скучно. Ужин приготовлен, квартира убрана, газеты прочитаны. Давай пойдем куда-нибудь?

13.Мне только что показали эту телеграмму. Ее принесли полчаса назад, и никто ее еще не видел.

14.Дом уже построили? – Нет, он еще строится. - А когда же его построят? – Его закончат к октябрю.

15.Детей искали повсюду, и никто не подозревал, что их увезли из города родственники отца.

16.Ты не мог бы подвезти меня до вокзала завтра утром? – К сожалению, моя машина в ремонте вот уже две недели, и я сам добираюсь до работы на метро.

17.Не забудь, что завтра тебя будут ждать ровно в 11. Если ты застрянешь в пробке и опоздаешь, они пойдут на выставку без тебя.

18.Эта рубашка еще не поглажена. – Не беспокойся. Она хорошо стирается и совсем не мнется.

19.Новый роман очень интересный и хорошо читается. – Да, я тоже хотела его купить, но оказалось, что он уже распродан. Продавец сказал, что он очень хорошо продавался. – Не переживай, его можно взять в библиотеке.

20.Она очень фотогенична. Я фотографировал ее несколько раз, и всякий раз она очень хорошо смотрится на фото.

21.Его считали одним из самых блестящих ученых своего времени.

22.Когда она вошла в комнату, урок уже начался, и студентам объясняли новое правило.

23.За последнее время я очень сильно похудела. Мне нужно ушить все свои юбки и брюки. Ты не возьмешься?

24.Ты знаешь о том, что «Титаник» был «потоплен» айсбергом в 1912 году?

25.Площадь была заполнена сотнями людей, требующих отставки правительства.

26.Ожидается, что будущее лето будет таким же жарким, как и в прошлом году.

27.Полагают, что преступники сбежали, сделав подкоп под стеной тюрьмы. Говорят, что они уже три недели прячутся в горах.

28.Не могу говорить с тобой по телефону. Я в парикмахерской, мне делают прическу.

29.Терпеть не могу, когда на меня смотрят. Также не люблю, когда мне указывают, что делать.

30.Его велосипед украли, пока он был в библиотеке. Его не следовало оставлять, не закрыв на замок.