THE PASSIVE (use & practice)
USE: Study the following example.
Ancient Egyptians and Greeks used carrier pigeons in ancient times.
==> Carrier pigeons were used in ancient times by ancient Egyptians and Greeks.
(thing done) (doer)
So, when do we use the passive? We use the passive in the following cases:
Case 1: The thing done is more important than the doer.
e.g. A new supermarket was opened in our district last week.
Case 2: Both the thing done and the doer are important.
e.g. Algeria was colonized by the French.
Case 3: The doer is unknown.
e.g. A lot of articles are stolen in the supermarket every day.
Case 4: We don’t want to mention the doer.
e.g. I was told that you had broken my glasses.
PRACTICE:
Now change the following sentences into the passive. Mention the doer (the by phrase) only where necessary.
HOW? WHY?
They probably recycle some of the solid wastes regularly.
2. The hurricane Gustav severely damaged the houses on the shore.
3. Someone has stolen my watch.
4. The horror film affected my little brother badly.
5. The milkman will deliver two bottles of milk to your door.
6. They are going to deliver our new washing machine tomorrow.
Case 1Case 2Case 3Case 4
7. Johnny Ball is training our local football team.
8. Anyone can do this activity very easily.
9. They haven't released the exam results yet.
10. Someone has told me that you still go out with Billy.
