Forming Passive Sentences

Forming Passive Sentences with Verbs Taking Both a Direct and Indirect Object

In English grammar, certain verbs can take both a direct object (DO) and an indirect object (IO), presenting two different sentence patterns. When forming passive sentences with these verbs, it's essential to understand the structure and usage for effective communication. Let's delve into this topic with detailed explanations and numerous examples.

1. Patterns with Verbs Taking Both a Direct and Indirect Object:

a. Pattern 1: Verb + Direct Object + Indirect Object (V + DO + IO)

Example: She gave him a book. (Active)

A book was given to him by her. (Passive)

b. Pattern 2: Verb + Direct Object + Preposition + Indirect Object (V + DO + Preposition + IO)

Example: He told her a story. (Active)

A story was told to her by him. (Passive)

2. Forming Passive Sentences:

To form passive sentences, follow these steps:

Step 1: Identify the active sentence pattern.

Step 2: Rearrange the elements to form the passive sentence.

Step 3: Use the appropriate form of the verb "to be" (am, is, are, was, were) and the past participle of the main verb.

Step 4: Include the agent (the doer of the action) using the preposition "by" if necessary.

3. Examples:

a. Active: She gave him a present.

Passive: A present was given to him by her.

b. Active: They showed us their new house.

Passive: Their new house was shown to us by them.

c. Active: He offered her a seat.

Passive: A seat was offered to her by him.

d. Active: She sent me an email.

Passive: An email was sent to me by her.

e. Active: They handed him the trophy.

Passive: The trophy was handed to him by them.

f. Active: He wrote her a love letter.

Passive: A love letter was written to her by him.

4. Notes on Passive Sentences:

a. If the agent (the doer of the action) is not important or unknown, it can be omitted.

Example: The cake was baked yesterday. (Passive)

b. Passive sentences are often used to focus on the action rather than the doer, creating a more formal or impersonal tone.

Conclusion:

Understanding how to form passive sentences with verbs taking both a direct and indirect object is crucial for expressing ideas clearly and accurately in English. By mastering this grammar concept, students can enhance their writing skills and communicate effectively in various contexts. Practice and exposure to diverse examples will further reinforce their understanding and proficiency.

Try this exercise to test your grammar.

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