Passive Voice – English Grammar

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Passive voice is a grammatical construction in which the subject of the sentence receives the action expressed by the verb. It’s characterized by using a form of the verb “to be” (such as “is,” “was,” “were,” “has been,” etc.) followed by the past participle of the main verb. Passive voice is often used when the focus is on the action itself rather than who is performing it, or when the performer of the action is unknown or less important. Here’s a brief overview:

  1. Subject receives the action: In passive voice sentences, the subject of the sentence is the recipient of the action, rather than the doer.
  2. Structure: The basic structure of passive voice sentences is formed by combining a form of the verb “to be” with the past participle of the main verb.

The grammar formula for constructing sentences in the passive voice involves rearranging the typical subject-verb-object (SVO) structure of active voice sentences. In passive voice sentences, the subject becomes the recipient of the action, and the focus is on the action itself rather than the doer of the action. Here’s the formula:

  1. Subject (S): The subject of the passive voice sentence is the recipient of the action. It typically comes after the verb phrase.
  2. Verb phrase (VP): The verb phrase in passive voice sentences consists of a form of the verb “to be” (such as “is,” “was,” “were,” “has been,” etc.) followed by the past participle of the main verb.
  3. Agent (optional): The agent is the entity or person performing the action in passive voice sentences. It’s often introduced with the preposition “by” but can be omitted if the doer of the action is unknown or less important.

Grammar Formula for Passive Voice:

𝑆𝑒𝑏𝑗𝑒𝑐𝑑(𝑆)+ π‘‰π‘’π‘Ÿπ‘ π‘β„Žπ‘Ÿπ‘Žπ‘ π‘’(𝑉𝑃) + π‘‚π‘π‘‘π‘–π‘œπ‘›π‘Žπ‘™:𝐴𝑔𝑒𝑛𝑑(𝑏𝑦+π‘‘π‘œ π‘Ÿπ‘œ π‘“π‘Žπ‘π‘‘π‘–π‘œπ‘›)

In this formula:

  • The subject receives the action.
  • The verb phrase contains a form of “to be” followed by the past participle of the main verb.
  • The agent, if included, specifies who or what is performing the action.

Example:

Active: The chef (S) prepares (VP) the meal (O). Passive: The meal (S) is prepared (VP) by the chef (Agent).

In the passive voice example, “the meal” becomes the subject (S) receiving the action of being prepared. The verb phrase (VP) consists of “is” (a form of “to be”) followed by the past participle “prepared.” The agent, “by the chef,” specifies who is performing the action, although it’s optional and can be omitted if desired.

Example:

Active: The chef prepares the meal.

Passive: The meal is prepared by the chef.

In this passive voice example, “the meal” becomes the subject of the sentence, receiving the action of being prepared by “the chef.”

Advantages and Disadvantages of Passive Voice:

Advantages:

  • Shifts focus onto the action rather than the doer.
  • Useful for emphasizing the object or the action itself.
  • Commonly used in scientific and academic writing for objectivity.

Disadvantages:

  • Can make sentences longer and less direct.
  • May obscure the performer of the action, leading to ambiguity.
  • Overuse of passive voice can weaken writing and decrease readability.

Ten Examples of Passive Voice:

  1. The report was written by the marketing team.
  2. The letter was sent by the secretary.
  3. The building was constructed last year.
  4. The cake was baked by my sister.
  5. The problem was solved by the engineers.
  6. The film was directed by a famous filmmaker.
  7. The decision was made by the board of directors.
  8. The project was completed on time.
  9. The house was cleaned by the cleaning service.
  10. The concert was attended by thousands of people.

These examples illustrate how passive voice shifts the focus onto the action or the object rather than the doer of the action.

Related Articles: Essential English Grammar topics

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