Definition
Passive voice is a voice that indicates that the subject is the patient or recipient of the action denoted by the verb.
Examples
(English)
Here is an example of a construction in passive voice:
- The man was nudged by a passer-by.
The above example contrasts with the one below, which is in active voice:
- A passer-by nudged the man.
Kinds
More specific concepts within passive voice.
Sources 6
- Crystal 1980, 259
- Pei and Gaynor 1954, 161
- Hartmann and Stork 1972, 252
- Nida 1949, 1689
- Mish 1991, 860
- Crystal 1985, 222