5 Questions
English allows a number of passive constructions that are not possible in many of the other ______ with similar passive formation.
languages
The agent may be omitted as evinced in the examples above, or it may be included adjunctively as follows: The enemy was defeated by our ______.
troops
The passive voice in English is a grammatical voice whose syntax is marked by a subject followed by a ______ verb complemented by a past participle.
stative
A form of the verbs be or get typically comprises the ______ aspect of the English passive voice construction, and the pertinent passive participle is sometimes called a passive verb.
stative
In each instance of a passive voice construction, the subject denotes the recipient of the action (the ______) rather than the performer (the agent).
patient
Study Notes
Passive Voice in English
- The passive voice is a grammatical voice where the subject is followed by a stative verb complemented by a past participle.
- In passive voice, the subject denotes the recipient of the action (the patient), not the performer (the agent).
- The agent may be omitted or included adjunctively in a passive voice construction.
Examples of Passive Voice
- The enemy was defeated.
- Caesar was stabbed.
Including the Agent in Passive Voice
- The agent can be included adjunctively in a passive voice construction: The enemy was defeated by our troops.
- The agent can be included adjunctively in a passive voice construction: Caesar was stabbed by Brutus.
Comparison with Active Voice
- Active voice constructions have a different subject: Our troops defeated the enemy.
- Active voice constructions have a different subject: Brutus stabbed Caesar.
Characteristics of English Passive Voice
- English passive voice constructions typically use a form of the verb be or get as the stative aspect.
- The passive participle in English passive voice constructions is sometimes called a passive verb.
- English allows a number of passive constructions not possible in many other languages with similar passive formation.
Test your knowledge of the passive voice in English grammar with this quiz! Learn about the syntax and structure of passive voice constructions and practice identifying the recipient of the action. Challenge yourself to recognize when the agent is omitted in passive voice sentences.
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