Passives (2) RECYCLING ADVANCED ENGLISH UNIT 9

RECYCLING ADVANCED ENGLISH

UNIT 9

Passives (2)

Many verbs, like give, award, lend, can have two objects. When putting these verbs into the passive, it is more usual to make the 'person object', rather than the 'thing object', the subject of the passive verb: • I was given back my change. (NOT My change was given back to me). C Improve the sentences if necessary by putting the 'person object' first. Tick any which are already correct. 1 I was promised a review of my case in due course. 2 The news was told to the whole community. 3 The volunteers are being lent suits of protective clothing. 4 She will be sent a free gift with her mail order catalogue. 5 A lucky mascot has been given to me, to use in my exams. 6 A postgraduate diploma will be awarded to her as soon as she has completed her practical assignments. 7 A chance to participate in the Olympic Games is being refused him, on the grounds of his unreliability. 8 However, he has been offered a place in the national team for the forthcoming international matches. 9 You will be shown your living quarters for the duration of your stay in the camp. 10 A bribe seems to have been offered to the officials in charge of the institution at the time. Passive constructions are often used with verbs like say, believe, and know. It + passive + that-Clause: • It is said that three people died in the accident. • It was once believed that the earth was completely flat. Subject + passive + to + infinitive: • Three people are said to have died in the accident. • The earth was once believed to be completely flat Sometimes there are two passive constructions in the same sentence: • It is known that York was invaded by the Vikings. • York is known to have been invaded by the Vikings. Other verbs which are used in this way include: consider, think, understand, report, allege, expect, fear, claim and deny. The verb be rumoured only exists in the passive form.

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