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What is the “passive voice”?: Difference between revisions
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The subject (professor) performs an action (wrote) which produces the object (novel). In the passive voice, the order of the sentence is reversed so that the sentence merely describes: | The subject (professor) performs an action (wrote) which produces the object (novel). In the passive voice, the order of the sentence is reversed so that the sentence merely describes: | ||
:'''(Passive Voice)''' The novel was written by the professor. | |||
== Recognizing the Passive Voice == | |||
Recognize a passive construction by some form of the '''“be”''' (was) verb that proceeds a past participle (written), followed by a prepositional phrase (by the professor). | Recognize a passive construction by some form of the '''“be”''' (was) verb that proceeds a past participle (written), followed by a prepositional phrase (by the professor). | ||
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== When To Use Passive Voice == | |||
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'''(Example: Active)''' | |||
Scientists discovered a cure for cancer. | |||
'''(Example: Passive)''' | |||
The cure for cancer was discovered by scientists. | |||
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'''(Note: Be selective about when and how passive voice is used)''' | |||
== Progressive Tense == | |||
'''Progressive tense''' is another type of passive construction. It occurs when you use a be verb with an the -ing form of the verb to show that action continues and is not fixed to a certain point in time. | '''Progressive tense''' is another type of passive construction. It occurs when you use a be verb with an the -ing form of the verb to show that action continues and is not fixed to a certain point in time. | ||
'''For example:''' | |||
She is talking with Henry. | |||
They were eating pizza. | |||
She has been reading the latest Harry Potter novel. | |||
The '''progressive''' tense is often used without thinking, but should only be used sparingly. More often than not the real verb should be used, eliminating the need for the be verb (passive) at all: | The '''progressive''' tense is often used without thinking, but should only be used sparingly. More often than not the real verb should be used, eliminating the need for the be verb (passive) at all: | ||
'''Example''' | |||
She talks with Henry daily. | |||
They ate pizza last night. | |||
She reads the latest Harry Potter novel every night before bed. | |||
Notice that when you eliminate the '''progressive''' tense, you must supply a specific time for the sentence to make sense. | Notice that when you eliminate the '''progressive''' tense, you must supply a specific time for the sentence to make sense. | ||