be+ past participle

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kachibi

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A few times I came across some sentences with a "be+ past participle" structure but sorry I cannot remember them clearly. But definitely they are not common passive voice sentences as follows:

1) She was scolded by her mum.
2) They were invited to the birthday party.
3) He will be promoted

What I read is a sentence whose "be" is really maintained without being changed to "was", "were", "is", "am", etc., or is not preceded by "will", "let", etc.
 

Barb_D

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It's hard to answer your question without examples.

One thing that comes to mind is the subjunctive: She insisted he be fed and given a warm bed, instead of thrown out into the cold. He demanded he be released.
 

kachibi

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It's hard to answer your question without examples.

One thing that comes to mind is the subjunctive: She insisted he be fed and given a warm bed, instead of thrown out into the cold. He demanded he be released.

Yes, exactly this type! I seldom see this kind of sentence and wonder what does it mean and what is the difference of it from normal passive voice sentences.
 

tzfujimino

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Yes, exactly this type! I seldom see this kind of sentence and wonder what does it mean and what is the difference of it from normal passive voice sentences.

Hello, kachibi.:-D
I think you'll need to learn about the subjunctive.
Please go to: Subjunctive

I hope the link will shed some light on your query.
 
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