passive voice

passive voice

1. it is characterized by a specific order of those elements of the sentence: Object + action + by + subject.

2. In the passive voice it is necessary to use an auxiliary verb together with the main verb: the verb “to be” (to be). The main verb takes a special form, which is the participle.

3. How are passive sentences formed in English?

   • In Spanish, as you can see in the example, the passive form is created with the auxiliary ser + the past participle of the verb: The cat eats the mouse In English it is formed in the same way: the auxiliary to be is used + the past participle of the verb: The mouse is eaten by the cat

4. Who is the subject in the passive in English?

   • While the subject of the active form becomes a complement of the phrase in the passive form, the subject of the phrase in the passive form in English can be:
     • The direct object of the active form "They give me a present" (active form) A present is given to me by them ”(passive form) =“ a present ”goes from being a direct object to a subject
       • The indirect complement of the active form: They give me a present (active form) I am given a present -by them- (passive form) = “me” goes from the indirect object to the subject of the passive phrase.

5. examples

   • The mouse is eaten by the cat.
   • The pirate left the treasure where it couldn’t be found.
   • The stolen money was found by the police.