Exploring the Types of Passive Constructions in English

English, a language that has served as a bridge to global communication, incorporates various grammatical structures to convey different nuances and meanings. One such structure is the passive construction, which caters to a variety of contexts and uses. In this article, we will delve into the two main types of passive constructions in English, highlight their distinct features, and provide examples to illustrate their usage in different scenarios.

Understanding Passive Constructions

Passive constructions in English are used to shift the focus of a sentence from the actor (the agent) to the receiver (the patient) of the action. The agent in a passive clause is introduced with the preposition "by" following the past participle of the main verb. This shift in focus can be achieved using either the auxiliary "be" with the past participle or the auxiliary "get" with the past participle. Both these methods are extensively used across various genres, with a preference for "be past participle" in more formal settings and "get past participle" in more casual contexts.

The Two Types of Passive Constructions

Passive Construction with the Auxiliary "Be"

The more common and formal type of passive construction is formed using the auxiliary "be" followed by the past participle. This type of construction is frequently used in literary news, economic-political commentary, and scientific journals. The subject of the sentence in this construction is the patient (the receiver of the action). For example:

The seaman was promoted to Quartermaster 3/c by the selection board.

In this sentence, "The seaman" is the patient (the receiver of the promotion), and "was promoted" indicates that the action was performed by an unspecified source ("the selection board").

Passive Construction with the Auxiliary "Get"

The less formal but very common type of passive construction is formed using the auxiliary "get" followed by the past participle. This construction is prevalent in spoken English and informal written materials. The subject in this type of construction is also the patient (the receiver of the action). For example:

The seaman got promoted to Quartermaster 3/c.

In this case, "The seaman" is the patient (the receiver of the promotion), and "got promoted" is the past participle that denotes the action. While "be past participle" implies no specific agent, "get past participle" may sometimes carry an implication that the subject was instrumental in their own promotion, though the exact specifics are unspecified.

Examples and Dialectal Implications

No Agent Present

Sometimes, the passive construction is used without an explicit mention of the agent, conveying that the action occurred without a specific actor. For example:

The door was blown shut by the wind.

In this case, "The door" is the patient, and the verb "was blown" indicates that the wind caused the door to close. The absence of a specific agent ("by the wind") implies that the wind itself was the cause of this event.

Implied Agent in "Get" Construction

In spoken English or informal writing, the "get" form of passive construction might imply an implied agent, especially in the context of actions within one's control. For example:

The door got blown shut by the wind.

This sentence suggests that the wind and possibly the action of closing the door was a consequence of the wind gust, implying a level of instrumentality on the part of the seaman.

Active and Passive Recipients in Sentences

In some sentences, the recipient of the action might function as the subject, especially when the key objective is to highlight the recipient rather than the performer of the action. For example:

Active Voice: The selection board gave the seaman a promotion.

Passive Voice - semantic patient as subject: A promotion was given to the seaman by the selection board.

In this active sentence, "The seaman" is the indirect object receiving the promotion. In the passive sentence, "A promotion" becomes the subject, and "was given to the seaman by the selection board" clarifies who performed the action.

Ergative Voice in Passive Constructions

Certain English verbs allow the semantic patient (the recipient of the action) to serve as the subject, even when the verb is syntactically active. This phenomenon, known as ergative voice, can be observed in the following examples: For example:

The door blew shut from the wind.

In this sentence, "The door" is the patient, and "blew" indicates the action performed by the wind. This construction can also be put into passive voice as:

This door is opened with that green key.

Here, the door is the subject, and the green key is the instrument.

Practical Use in Various Domains

Passive constructions are invaluable in various domains, from academic writing and journalism to business communications. By understanding the nuances and implications of each type of passive construction, writers and speakers can craft their messages more effectively. Whether it is highlighting the receiver rather than the actor, avoiding the mention of the actor, or emphasizing the completion of the action, the passive construction provides a versatile tool for precise communication.

Conclusion

Passive constructions in English offer a flexible and powerful means of expressing information, making them an essential component of any English speaker's repertoire. By mastering the two primary types of these constructions and their various uses, one can enhance their ability to communicate effectively in a wide range of contexts. Whether in formal or informal settings, the passive construction enhances clarity, precision, and the focus of the message, making it a valuable addition to your linguistic toolkit.