4. Why use passive?
1. Emphasize action or receiver (not agent)
2. Don’t know agent --“secret agent”
3. Talk about materials or origin of a product
4. Avoid blame; hide guilt
5. Why use passive?
#1 Emphasize action or receiver (not agent)
400 homes were destroyed by the wildfire.
That job has already been filled.
He was born in 1964.
6. Why use passive?
#2 Don’t know agent --“secret agent”
Several nearby banks have been robbed recently.
My car was stolen!
7. Why use passive?
#3 Talk about materials or origin of a product
That sweater is made of* cashmere.
The painting was made with oil and canvas.
* “made of” + fabric or materials; “made with” + tools
8. Why use passive?
#4 Avoid blame; hide guilt
A mistake was made.
Your tests have been lost.
9. Form of the Passive
• Surfers are attacked by sharks.
Be + past participle
Be can be in all verb tense:
is, are, am, was, were, has been, have been, etc.