"Passive" sentence structure

[RonBee]

Passive voice.

The poem was written.
The poem was written in 1965.
The poem was written by Amiri Baraka in 1965.

8)

[RonBee]

Passive voice.

The posms and stories were read.
The poems and stories were read by Ron.
The poems and stories were read by Ron to the kids.
The poems and stories were read by Ron to the kids at Froebel School.

8)

[ESL-lover]

Hello my teachers................

What is the function of agent in passive voice?

Is it important to mention it in the passive sentences?

Thanks...................

[RonBee]

Originally Posted by ESL-lover

Hello my teachers................

What is the function of agent in passive voice?

Is it important to mention it in the passive sentences?

Can you elaborate on that? Do you mean the use of the word agent?

8)

[ESL-lover]

Can you elaborate on that? Do you mean the use of the word agent?

yes of course Ronbee......

[ESL-lover]

Do you mean the use of the word agent?

In related with passive voice?

[RonBee]

There are some words that are typical features of the passive voice. The word agent is not one of them. It can, of course, be used in such a sentence, thus: "The agent was deceived."

8)

[RonBee]

The book was read.
The book was read by Ron.
The book was read by Ron to the kids.
The book was read by Ron to the kids at Froebel School.
===============================

The story was told.
The war was won.
The war was lost.
The book was read by me.
Sarah was called to dinner.
The fire was lit.
The fire was started by Ron.
The bone was chewed by the dog.


He was lied to.
She was misled.
They were deceived.

The game was being played.
The deed was done.
The food was eaten.

The thing is being talked about.
The book is being read.
The book is being read to the kids.
The children are being taught.
The house is being painted.
The food is being heated.
The story is being told.
The story is being told throughout the land.
The book is being read by many people.
The air is being warmed by the sun.

[Red5]

Originally Posted by ESL-lover

Hello my teachers................

What is the function of agent in passive voice?

Is it important to mention it in the passive sentences?

Thanks...................

Here's an example I found on the internet that might help clear things up regarding agent:

How do we know we know if a sentence is using the passive voice?

Outlaw
The horse was seen by Carolyn.



The subject: the horse
The action: seeing
The acting agent (who acts?): Carolyn
The subject and the acting agent are not the same. Therefore, this sentence is in passive voice.
From: http://ace.acadiau.ca/english/grammar/passive.htm

[RonBee]

Originally Posted by Red5

Here's an example I found on the internet that might help clear things up regarding agent:

Thanks, Red! I think that clears up the meaning of that question. :)

May I post a couple more examples of sentences in the passive voice?
:)

"Hundreds of homes have been destroyed by the fire."

"A hundred people are killed by lighning every year."

"The fugitive was sighted in Juarez, Mexico."

"What is admirable about Mr. Pryor's personal deportment is his refusal to cavil."


No more sample sentences. I promise. :wink:

8)