A. Verbs, which cannot be passive
An intransitive verb (a verb without object) cannot be passive. These sentences have no passive equivalent.
- Something happened.
- The problem will become more urgent.
- We stayed at home.
- The streets seemed empty.
** There are also some transitive verbs, which cannot be passive.
- My friend had a sports car.
- The player lacks ability.
- That color suits you.
** But other state verbs can be passive.
- The business is owned by an American Company.
- These old postcards are wanted by collectors.
** Some verbs can be either action verbs or state verbs.
- The decorator measured the wall. (Action & Active)
- The was measured by the decorator. (Action & Passive)
- The wall measured three meters. (State)
B. The passive and you, we, they, etc.
The passive is used less in informal English than in formal or written contexts. In informal English we often use an active sentence with a vague subject like you, they, people, someone, or we.
- You can not do anything about it. (Active)
- Nothing can be done about it. (Passive)
- We / People use electricity for all kinds of purposes. (Active)
- Electricity is used for all kinds of purpose. (Passive)
** In the passive sentences we do not need to mention you, we, etc. when they have this vague meaning.
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