PASSIVE VOICE

Ana Vera de la Torre

What happened?

Miss Leung took Brian’s book.

Brian’s book was taken by Miss Leung.

DOER

DOER

(Subject)

(Object)

What happened?

Miss Leung took Brian’s book.

Brian’s book was taken by Miss Leung.

DOER

DOER

(Subject)

(Object)(Subject)

Emphasis – more IMPORTANTRECEIVE

R

What happened?

Miss Leung took Brian’s book.

Brian’s book was taken by Miss Leung.

DOER

(Subject)

(Object)(Subject)

DOERRECEIVER

What happened?

Miss Leung took Brian’s book.

Brian’s book was taken by Miss Leung.

DOER

RECEIVER

DOER

1. When Do We Use Passive Voice?

A. When the RECEIVER of an action is the EMPHASIS

B. When it is NOT NECESSARY to mention the DOER of an action

C. When the DOER of an action is NOT KNOWN

1.C. When the DOER is NOT KNOWN

Example:

Miss Leung’s diamond ring was stolen!!

Who stole the ring?