Understanding Advanced Passive Voice Structures
In English grammar, passive voice is a construction in which the subject of a sentence appears as the object of the verb. This structure is commonly used when the focus is on the action or the receiver of the action rather than the doer. While passive voice is often seen as a basic grammatical concept, there are advanced passive voice structures that can be employed to add complexity and variety to your writing. In this article, we will explore these advanced passive voice structures and provide practice exercises to enhance your understanding.
Advanced Passive Voice Structures
1. Passive Voice with Modal Verbs
In the passive voice, modal verbs can be used to express various degrees of possibility, necessity, or obligation. The following table illustrates how different modal verbs can be combined with the passive voice:
| Modal Verb | Example |
|---|---|
| Can | The documents can be signed tomorrow. |
| Must | The report must be submitted by Friday. |
| Should | The project should be completed by the end of the week. |
2. Passive Voice with Infinitives
Infinitives, which are the base form of a verb preceded by the word “to,” can also be used in the passive voice. They help convey actions that are intended, planned, or expected. Consider the following examples:
- The car is to be repaired next week.
- The new policy is to be implemented soon.
3. Passive Voice with Gerunds
Gerunds, which are verbs ending in “-ing” that function as nouns, can be used in the passive voice to emphasize the action rather than the doer. Here are a few examples:
- The proposal is being considered by the committee.
- His behavior is being questioned by the authorities.
Practice Exercises
Now that we have explored advanced passive voice structures, let’s put your knowledge to the test. Complete the following exercises by transforming the given sentences into the passive voice:
- The company will release a new product next month.
- They have already completed the project successfully.
- We should clean the office before the meeting.
Answers
1. A new product will be released by the company next month.
2. The project has already been completed successfully.
3. The office should be cleaned before the meeting.
By mastering advanced passive voice structures, you can add sophistication and variety to your writing. Remember to use these structures judiciously and consider the context and purpose of your writing. Practice regularly to enhance your skills and confidently employ advanced passive voice structures in your future compositions.
