Questions tagged [active-vs-passive]
114 questions
25
votes
6 answers
"I broke my arm" vs "my arm was broken"
I broke my arm.
In my language (Persian), if I say this to one of my friends, her response would be like this: “Are you out of your mind? Why did you break your arm?” because it implies that I broke my arm on purpose. And we usually say this in…
Hadimsv
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4
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2 answers
Active vs passive
The bowl was lifted without spilling its contents.
What do you think is the understood subject of "spilling"？
a. The bowl didn't spill its contents.
b. The person who lifted it didn't spill its contents.
Do I need to revise the sentence…
ForOU
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3
votes
1 answer
Active vs. passive: "waves are formed by" vs. "waves formed by"
Mostly, waves ... by wind blowing over the surface of the sea.
A) are formed ( my answer )
B) formed ( correct according to my book )
Should I burn my book ?
mustafa atmaca
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2
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1 answer
active and passive difference in these two examples? "This chair is too small to stand on." and "This chair is too small to be stood on."
"This chair is too small to stand on."
"This chair is too small to be stood on."
what's the difference? or I can use either one.
hwkal
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2
votes
1 answer
Is "Our electricity rates have been raised at about 20 percent a year." grammatically inccorect?
I have been learning English and I got confused about the use of rise/raise.
In the chapter dealing with the difference between rise and raise, it says "Our electricity rates have been rising at about 20 percent a year." is the answer for the…
pheno8
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2
votes
1 answer
something needs to change Or something needs to be changed?
Which one is correct?
something needs to change
something needs to be changed
The first one is what I met most. But I think should use the second one, because something can't change by itself, it needs someone to change it.
Humble Novice
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2
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2 answers
The use of 'get rid of'
During a discussion, a question occurred to me. If we want to get rid of something that is done to us, should we use Active voice or passive voice? Example: I have a fellow who talks too much. I am annoyed and want no more of his talking. Which one…
English-Learner
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How can I change the sentence from active to the passive form?
Active: Alastair arranged to take Kathy to the station.
Passive: Kathy was arranged to be taken to the station by Alastair.
This sentence I read is a bit awkward., but I am not sure, could you explain it to me?
Omen
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1
vote
1 answer
take revenge on - in the passive voice
Does "take revenge on" lend itself to the passive voice?
He was taken revenge on by his boss.
I don't remember being taken revenge on by him.
user1425
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1
vote
3 answers
The verb "mark" with an event and a time
The 19th century was marked by the abolition of slavery.
The 19th century marked the abolition of slavery.
Which is correct?
The meaning is that the abolition of slavery was an important event in the 19th century.
zaliko1963
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1
vote
1 answer
“Leaves are moved” or “leaves move”?
The leaves of a tree are moved by the wind. That is, the wind moves the leaves.
Can I just say “leaves move” in this situation? “move” here is an intransitive verb.
user142723
1
vote
1 answer
Are these sentences in the active or passive voice?
I've been taught that the active voice = subject + verb + object and the passive voice = object + verb + (not always) subject
I can't figure out which voice the following sentences are in, based on those definitions.
“Pre-treating the mice with…
KQUB
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1
vote
2 answers
Passive and usage of “being” in a sentence
I am trying to understand why this sentence is incorrect as in grammatically. The instructions were given to use passive/active accordingly.
The incorrect verse:
It's raining and the roads are full of water. Cars are moving quickly
and people on…
Jay
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1
vote
1 answer
Is sold vs sells
What is the difference between active and passive voice in these sentences?
This product is sold well.
This product sells well.
Александр Стрелец
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1
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1 answer
Is 'The corridors flood with teenage noise, energy and emotion' a correct sentence?
Is 'The corridors flood with teenage noise, energy and emotion' a correct sentence?
I say this in a passage but I think the correct version will be 'The corridorrs are flooded with teenage noise, energy and emotion'
Y.T.
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