One of the key elements of English grammar, the passive voice, is a concept that confuses many learners. A deep understanding of the differences between active and passive voices and their usage is essential while studying English. In particular, English sentences are composed of the relationship between the subject, verb, and object, and this relationship greatly helps in understanding the passive voice. In this article, we will explore the definition of passive voice, how to form it, its various uses, and important notes on passive voice through real-life examples.
1. What is Passive Voice?
The passive voice is a form in which the subject of the sentence is expressed as the object of the action rather than the doer. That is, the subject of the sentence receives the action, while the doer is indirectly indicated by the verb.
1.1 Difference Between Active and Passive Voice
In active voice, the subject directly performs the action, whereas in passive voice, the subject is affected by the action. For example:
- Active Voice: The cat (subject) chased (verb) the mouse (object).
- Passive Voice: The mouse (subject) was chased (verb) by the cat (doer).
2. How to Form Passive Voice
The primary structure for forming the passive voice is ‘be verb + past participle’. This allows the subject to position itself as the recipient of the action.
2.1 Basic Structure
The basic structure of the passive voice is as follows:
- Subject + be verb + past participle (+ by + doer)
For example:
- Active Voice: The chef (subject) cooks (verb) the meal (object).
- Passive Voice: The meal (subject) is cooked (be verb + past participle) by the chef (doer).
2.2 Formation of Passive Voice According to Tense
Like active voice, the passive voice is expressed in various tenses. For example:
- Present Tense: The book is read by many people.
- Past Tense: The book was read by many people.
- Future Tense: The book will be read by many people.
- Present Perfect: The book has been read by many people.
3. Uses of Passive Voice
The passive voice is used in various situations. Generally, it is used when the doer is not important or unknown, or when the result of the action is emphasized.
3.1 When the Doer is Unclear
The passive voice is used when the doer is not important information. For example:
- The window was broken. (It’s not important who broke it)
3.2 When Emphasizing the Result
The passive voice is used when you want to focus on the result of the action. For example:
- The project was completed on time. (The completed result is emphasized)
3.3 In Formal Situations
The passive voice is often used in formal documents or situations. For example:
- The report was submitted to the committee.
4. Cautions About Passive Voice
There are several points to be aware of when using passive voice.
4.1 Impersonal Subject
Sometimes, when the subject is unclear in a passive voice sentence, the impersonal subject ‘it’ can be used. For example:
- It is said that… (Something is being said in this way)
4.2 Omission of the Doer in Passive Voice
If the doer is unimportant or unnecessary to know, ‘by + doer’ can be omitted. For example:
- The cake was eaten. (It’s uncertain who ate it)
4.3 Avoiding Unnatural Passive Voice
Not every active voice sentence can be converted into passive voice. In particular, intransitive verbs without objects (e.g., sleep, swim) cannot be switched to passive form.
5. Conclusion
The passive voice is a very important element in the structure of English sentences. Understanding its various forms and uses and being able to apply them in real life will significantly improve your English skills. Therefore, those studying English should have a clear understanding of the concept of passive voice and practice applying it in actual sentences.
I hope this article helps enhance your understanding of the passive voice and aids you in studying English. We will continue to delve deeply into various grammatical concepts in the future. Thank you.