2.1.- Passive voice: Formal aspects.

We are going to see formal aspects of the passive voice.

• TWO OBJECTS.e

  When there are two objects (direct and indirect), two passives are possible:

  • Robert sent her some flowers. Her: Ind. Object Some flowers: Dir. Object.

    Passive:

    1. Some flowers were sent to her.
    2. She was sent some flowers. This form (Ind. Object as a subject) is more frequent.
  • They made me lots of questions. Me: Ind Object Lots of questions: Direct Object

    Passive:

    • Lots of questions were made to me.
    • I was made lots of questions. (More frequent).

    Summarising:

    When there are two objects, it is more frequent to begin the passive sentence with the person (Indirect Object).

• INTERROGATIVE AND NEGATIVE PASSIVE FORMS.

  In the negative form we use the verb to be in the negative.

  • America wasn’t discovered in 1495.
  • The best wines aren’t produced in Denmark.

  For the interrogative form, we use Wh-question + Aux (be) + subj + verb?

  • When did Columbus discover America?
    • Passive: When was America discovered?
  • Where have they found the jewels?
    • Passive: Where have the jewels been found?
• MODAL AND AUXILIARY VERBS IN THE PASSIVE VOICE

  When there is a modal verb, we use the modal verb + be + past participle.

  • We must close this door after 10:00 pm.
    • This door must be closed after 10:00 pm.
  • He should explain the lesson again.
    • The lesson should be explained again .