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The earth is formed of layers.

Can I change this sentence into active?

Layers form the earth.

The Oxford advanced learner Dictionary says the word form is: " [T, often passive] to produce sth in a particular way or make it have a particular shape]" So I can't decide whether it is suitable to transform the phrase "formed of" into active verb.

Min Thu
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  • In the second example, "Layers form the earth". After all, you didn't write "the layers" in the first one. – user3169 Feb 15 '17 at 06:37
  • Well, you can, but the result is not a verbal passive, but an adjectival passive. In "The earth is formed of layers", the word "formed" is an adjective, not a verb, hence it being called an 'adjectival passive'. – BillJ Feb 15 '17 at 11:34
  • It would be like saying "layers of pasta form lasagna". It is grammatical, but it is a good example of when to use the passive. There is little reason to make the layers of pasta the subject of a transitive verb. – TimR Feb 15 '17 at 11:51

1 Answers1

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Short answer: Yes.

Long answer: But I suggest you add what sort of layers.

For example:

  • "Discuss...how these materials...form the layers that make up the crust of the Earth." -Kentucky Coal Education
  • "Chocolate, meringue, and whipped cream form the layers of this tall, silky dessert." -Pinterest

Active voice is often used to emphasize the subject.

Using a vague subject such as "layers" sort of defeats the purpose of using active voice.

Thus, my suggestion to expand the subject.

Good luck!

Teacher KSHuang
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