In English grammar, the passive voice is a construction in which the subject of a sentence is the recipient of the action rather than the doer. It is formed by using a form of the verb “to be” along with the past participle of the main verb. While the active voice is often preferred for its directness and clarity, the passive voice can be useful in certain situations, such as when the doer of the action is unknown or when the focus is on the recipient of the action.
1. The cake was baked by Mary. (Active: Mary baked the cake.)
2. The report will be submitted by the end of the day. (Active: I will submit the report by the end of the day.)
3. The movie was watched by millions of people. (Active: Millions of people watched the movie.)
Using the passive voice can also help to vary sentence structure and avoid repetitive use of the active voice. However, it is important to use the passive voice judiciously and not overuse it, as it can make sentences sound awkward or convoluted. It is also important to ensure that the subject of the sentence is still clearly identified, even in passive constructions.
4. The new building is being constructed on Main Street. (Active: The construction crew is building the new building on Main Street.)
5. The mistake was made by the new employee. (Active: The new employee made the mistake.)
When using the passive voice, it is also important to pay attention to the tense of the verb and ensure that it agrees with the subject of the sentence. Additionally, it is crucial to avoid the passive voice in situations where it may obscure responsibility or make the sentence less clear.
In conclusion, the passive voice can be a useful tool in English grammar for emphasizing the recipient of an action or varying sentence structure. However, it should be used sparingly and with caution to ensure that sentences remain clear and concise. By understanding and practicing examples of passive voice, writers can effectively communicate their ideas while maintaining grammatical correctness.