被动句英语例句复杂些
In English grammar, the passive voice is used to place emphasis on the object of a sentence rather than the subject. In a passive sentence, the subject receives the action of the verb, while the object becomes the focus of the sentence. Writing in the passive voice can be a useful tool in certain situations, such as when the performer of an action is unknown or when the emphasis needs to be shifted to the object. In this article, we will explore the complexities and benefits of using the passive voice in English language.
1. The Basics of the Passive Voice
The passive voice is formed by using a form of the verb "to be" combined with the past participle of the main verb. For example, "The book was written by the author" is a passive sentence, where the subject "book" receives the action of the verb "written" and the object "author" becomes the focus of the sentence.
2. Emphasizing the Object
One of the main benefits of using the passive voice is the ability to place emphasis on the object of the sentence. This can be particularly useful in situations where the performer of an action is unknown, unimportant, or should not be mentioned. For example, "The car was stolen" places the emphasis on the object "car", rather than on the performer of the action. Similarly, "The policy was implemented" emphasizes the object "policy" rather than the performer of the action.
3. Shifting the Responsibility
Using the passive voice can also be effective when the writer wants to shift the responsibility for an action away from the subject. This can be useful in situations where the subject may be perceived negatively or where the subject wishes to avoid taking responsibility for an action. For example, "Mistakes were made" shifts the responsibility away from the subject and onto the action itself.
4. Avoiding Personal Pronouns
In formal writing, it is common to avoid using first and second person pronouns. The passive voice can be a useful tool for achieving this, as it allows the writer to focus on the object without having to use personal pronouns. For example, "It was suggested that the project be completed by the end of the month" avoids using the first or second person pronouns while still conveying the necessary information.
5. Consistency in Writing
While the passive voice can be useful in certain situations, it is important to maintain consistency in writing style. Overusing the passive voice can make writing seem dull and impersonal, and can make it difficult for the reader to understand who is performing the action. It is important to strike a balance between using the passive voice when necessary and maintaining an active, engaging writing style.
In conclusion, the passive voice can be a useful tool in certain situations, allowing the writer to focus on the object of the sentence and shift responsibility away from the subject. However, it is important to maintain consistency in writing style and balance the use of the passive voice with an active and engaging writing style. With practice, writers can become proficient at using the passive voice to achieve their desired effect and enhance the clarity of their writing.