unit 29 Forming passive sentences A Besse verb torms have one of the tenses of the verb to be and a past participle, Passive tek forms are summarised in Appendix 1. =i \ s which cake an object (transitire verbs) can have a passive form. So we can make corresponding passive sentences for: * They destroyed the building. e+ The building was destroyed. © The news surprised mre, ++ Iwas surprised by the news. Verbs which do nor take an object (intransitive verbs) do not have there are NO passive forms for the following sentences: Q & Islept tor nearly ten hours last night. © © The ship slowly disappeared from view. \ good shetonary will tell you whether verbs are transitive or in Passive forms. For exampl ansitive, However, many verbs can be used at different times with and without obj be both transitive and intransitive. Compare: ¢ Arethey meeting him at the station? (cransitive) Is he being met at the airport? (passive) * When shall we meet? (intransitive; no passive possible) ects ~ that is, they cy B__ eros thar can be followed by either object + object or object + prepositional object in active slauses \see Unit 42) can have two corresponding passive forms. The passive form you choose depends on which is more appropriate in a particular context. Compare: | passive © She handed me the plate. | © Twas handed the plate. v | # She handed the platetome. ¥ | © The plate was handed tome. ¥ Other v verbs © this include give, lend, offer, promise, sell, teach, tell, throw. However, « can’t be followed by object + object in the active have only one of these Passive forms: © Hedesnbedmethesituaton. X | © Ewasdeseribedtheshuation | * He described the situationtome. ¥ | @ The situation was described to me. / @ Other verbs like this include demonstrate, explain, introduce, mention, report, suggest. c an make 2 passive form of transitive two- and three-word verbs (see Unit 114). Compare * Martha talked me into buying a motorbike. (= V + object + preposition) and Iwas talked into buying a motorbike by Martha. ¥ gave over the whole programme to a report from Bosnia. (= V + adverb + object * mi 'e two- and three-word verbs are rarely used in the passive: © We got zi back for her, bur it took ages. (rather than The money was 80% el wut out z hand to steady myself. (rather than A hand was put OW) ¢ this include get down (= write what somebody says), let in (= _ a that allows water, light, etc. to get into it) let out (e.g. a scream), SRO” le to see something because you are proud of it), take after (= res backai 32 EXERCISES Joo in your tionary 10 find out whether these verbs are transitive or intransitive. first loo : : ee areriorais aerobop) olin att sive = peed prevertt recede release. = wear happe™ ‘ hen complete these sefences sith appropriate passive (if possible) or active forms of the verbs iy in the earthquake. A number of priceless works of art Wwe had finished eating and were ready t0 go. “Gi the visit he claimed to have made to Paris in 1941. “from re-entering the country for the southern part of the country. By the ame Carol No record 1 3 4 Because my visa had expired | s 6 J that new industries Tdon’t know what WOuld ssoses== ‘The economic situation in ee region quite sharply over the last year. into the distance as our ship sailed further away. to think that these clothes ".. by Queen Victoria. “to combat asthma in small children. ieis generally agreed IL Nick hadn’t come along, The coastline 9 Irs incredible 10 Anew drug, 11 When Kathy left the room, everyone 12. A number of political prisoners .. entence or two, if possible, as.in 1. (B) Within the next few days. Make one corresponding passive s 1 Someone threw a lifebelt to me. {was thrown a lifebelt. 7b lifedelt was thrown to me. 2 Someone mentioned the problem to me. + Someone had reported the theft to the police. 4 Someone told the story to me. s 6 Someone has given £1,000 to the charity. Someone will demonstrate the game to the children. Someone was offering drinks to the guests. Someone explained the procedure to me. 8 Someone sold the car to Tom write No wve sentence as in 1. If itis not possible, If possible, make a corresponding passit passive’. (C) j sed changes: 1 The committee called on Paula to explain her reasove for the prope’ Paula was called. on to explain her reasons for the proposed een ie lee 21 got down most of what he said in his lecture Most of what tee pug | 3. When I was young my aunt and uncle Jooked after me. When 4 The surgeons operated on him for nearly 12 hour Ye an 5 Sandra let out a scream and she collapsed *0 the loo. A 2 ad 6 Hugh takes after Edward ~ they're both Yi? ele 7 Allhis relatives approved of his decision. H