Why do we use the passive voice?
- to shift the focus onto the receiver and the effect of the action (onto the verb)
- to give an impression of authority (authoritative)
- to give an impression of objectivity and impartiality by removing the “You should do … “
- to give an objective scientific tone (our findings prove that…. .it has been proven that ….
- to give instructions in a polite way
- to avoid personal involvement or responsibility.
In the passive, the subject is the recipient of the action, not the agent
Study these examples:
The whole house was /got flooded
Several protesters were taken away by the police
The wall was toppled
The winner was given a silver cup.
I think Helen is going to be appointed Chair of the Commission.
When he picked up the phone we got cut off.
She got elected.
I finally got admitted to hospital
I’m not going to get/ be tricked.
She is thought to be a genius.
He was said to have been fiddling the books.
He was made to clear up the mess
He was helped to get the premises ready this time.
It is understood that no one speaks during the time for private prayers.
The house is being redecorated. The fruit was cut up on the table/ in the kitchen.
She was knocked down on the way home from school.
Her childhood was emotionally deprived.
She’s feeling very jaded.
The door was obviously locked.
The gardens are to be landscaped.
I hate being patronised.
I asked the nurses to hurry because I didn’t want to be being dressed when you arrived.
A man was attacked by three women.