The Passive Voice

Use

Passive voice is used when the focus is on the action. It is not important or not known, however, who or what is performing the action.

Example: My bike was stolen.

In the example above, the focus is on the fact that my bike was stolen. I do not know, however, who did it.

Sometimes a statement in passive is more polite than active voice, as the following example shows:

Example: A mistake was made.

In this case, I focus on the fact that a mistake was made, but I do not blame anyone (e.g. You have made a mistake.).

Form of Passive

Subject + finite form of to be + Past Participle (3rd column of irregular verbs)

Example: A letter was written.

When rewriting active sentences in passive voice, note the following:

· the object of the active sentence becomes the subject of the passive sentence

· the finite form of the verb is changed (to be + past participle)

· the subject of the active sentence becomes the object of the passive sentence (or is dropped)

Examples of the passive voice through tenses

Examples of the passive voice through tenses

Complete the sentences (Active or Passive Voice). You must either use Simple Present or Simple Past. Write the correct ansewers in your notebooks!

The Statue of Liberty (give) to the United States by France.

It (be) a present on the 100th anniversary of the United States.

The Statue of Liberty (design) by Frederic Auguste Bartholdi.

It (complete) in France in July 1884.

In 350 pieces, the statue then (ship) to New York, where it (arrive) on 17 June 1885.

The pieces (put) together and the opening ceremony (take) place on 28 October 1886.

The Statue of Liberty (be) 46 m high (93 m including the base).

The statue (represent) the goddess of liberty.

She (hold) a torch in her right hand and a tablet in her left hand.

On the tablet you (see / can) the date of the Declaration of Independence (July 4, 1776).

Every year, the Statue of Liberty (visit) by many people from all over the world.

Date: 2015-01-11; view: 4239