PASSIVE VOICE(H. Hulban, T. Lacatusu, C. Gogalniceanu)

1. Underline the verbs in the passive voice in the following sentences.

1 . He was frightened by her remark.2 . No fault was found with the child.3 . It is said that the king had been a very bad man.4 . When one works, one is appreciated.5 . They have been married for ten years now.6 . They were/ got wounded during the fight.7 . She was laughed at for her silly remark.8 . Our president is well known all over the world for his peace policy.9 . These new office – buildings are made of glass and steel.10. The rooms are being redecorated.11. The front door of the building was sheltered by a porch.12. Being an orphan, the boy was brought up by an uncle.13. She is always punished when she talks back to older persons.

2. Change the following sentences from Passive into Active.

Model: The ground was covered with snow. Snow covered the ground.

1 . My shoes have been cleaned by my sister.2 . The train is supposed to leave at 8.45.3 . The mail was delivered in the morning (by the postman) .4 . Since they didn’t know English, an interpreter was called.5 . This book was bought by my friend in a second- hand bookshop.6 . The money has been taken by one of our friends.7 . The article will be written by Peter.8 . Modern theories say that America was discovered by the Vikings before it was discovered by Columbus in 1492.9 . By whom is your French class taught?10. This room can be used for our cinema club.11. What kind of clothes must be worn in the morning?12. The key to this room has been lost.

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13. The door was closed with a bang (by Edward).14. The glassed bookcases were filled with files and records of bills paid.15. The letter will be sent tomorrow in the afternoon (by Mary).

MONICA VISAN

Rewrite the sentences in the passive . Translate the sentences into Romanian.

1 . Everyone knows this fact well.2 . They opened the theatre only last night.3 . People will soon forget it.4 . You must write the answers in ink.5 . Someone has taken two of my books.6 . We have already filled the vacancy.7 . What should one do in such cases?8 . Did they say anything interesting/9 . Did no one ever make it clear how one operates the machine?10. I don’t think anyone can do it.11. One should sow new lawns in September.12. They would undoubtedly have sent him to prison if they had found him guilty.13. You must finish the work by seven o’clock. 14. They are now manufacturing this type of transistor radio in Japan.15. No one could possibly have known the secret.16. Has someone made all the necessary arrangements?17. Fortunately, no one has said anything about it.18. We will execute all orders promptly.19. Does someone clean all the rooms regularly?

Translate into Romanian (pay attention to the use of the verb in the passive voice):

1 . This subject will be talked over tomorrow.2 . The nineteenth century is often referred to as the iron age.3 . Your proposal will be carefully gone into.4 . Scientific research is looked upon now as synonymous with progress.5 . This phenomenon could not be accounted for at that time.6 . The lecturer said: “ The last part of this chapter will be dealt with tomorrow.”7 . Beethoven’s music will be listened to as long as men live.8 . His proposal remains to be approved of by the committee.9 . He is not well spoken of.10. First of all the agenda has to be agreed on.11. These data are not good enough to be depended upon.12. This plan is very good, it should be insistedon.13. You will be laughed at if you say a thing like that.

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14. Full coverage of this subject will not be aimed at in this article.15. For some time it was believed that computers might be thought of as the exact counterpart of the human brain.16. Some details of the arrangement remain to be dealt with.17. Agreement would have been arrived at much sooner if consideration of prestige had been dispensed with from the beginning.18. Let us hope our plan is not going to be objected to.

Turn into passive and then translate into Romanian.

1 . They did not speak about his proposals at the meeting.2 . We must send for a doctor.3 . What do they use this tool for?4 . Many critics have commented on his new book.5 . People refer to him as a specialist in heart diseases.6 . People often ask for this magazine.7 . Can one rely upon him?8 . Somebody must deal with this problem.9 . Thousands of people listen to this weekly broadcast.10. They have not gone into all the details.11. They have not come to a decision so far.

Complete the sentences with a passive construction, using the verbs given and in the form suggested. (The term “infinitive” includes the infinitive without “to”).

1 . Much of London (destroy) by fire in the seventeenth century. (Past Simple)2 . The man who (bite) by a snake was given a serum. (Past Perfect)3. A leader should be a man who can (respect). (Infinitive)4 . Many slums (demolish) to make way for new buildings. (Present Continuous)5 . The police ( instruct) to take firm action against hooligans. (Present Perfect)6 . He (save) from bankruptcyby the kindness of a friend. (Past Simple)7 . A cease – fire (expect) (declare) later this week. (Present Simple) (Infinitive)8 . A great deal of research (do) into the possible causes of cancer. (Present Perfect)9 . The man claimed that he (victimize) by somebody. (Past Continuous)10. The tenant (evict) for not paying his rent. (Past Simple)11. It (think) that they would do something to help.(Past Perfect)12. Three hundred new houses (buil) by the end of next year.(Future Perfect)13. Because of a strike, work on the building had to (stop). (Infinitive)14. The witness strongly objected to (cross-examine) . (Gerund)15. (Threaten) by a blackmailer, he immediately informed the police. (Perfect Gerund)16. I’m not accustomed to ( treat) in that way. (Gerund)17. The passengers ought (inform) that the train (withdraw) from service. (Perfect Infinitive) ((Past Perfect)

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18. Customers (ask) to ensure that they (give) the correct change before leaving the shop, as mistakes cannot afterwards (rectify). (Present Simple), (PresentPerfect),(Infinitive)19. Was he very upset at (not offer) the job? (Gerund)20. The man was sent to prison for six months, (find) guilty of fraud. (Perfect Gerund)

Rewrite the sentences in the passive:

1 . They gave up the search after three hours2 . They ought to have pointed that out to me at the meeting.3 . No one brought up that question at the meeting.4 . Someone should look into the matter.5. It was clear that the parents had brought the child up well.6 . We had to put off the visit until later.7 . I was shocked to hear that someone had broken into your house.8 . They gave me to understand that they would call on my services if they needed them.9 . Don’t speak until someone speaks to you.10. He will stop showing off if people take no notice of him.11. His bank manager turned down his request for a loan.12. They are putting up many new buildings in Bucharest.13. You must account for every penny you spent.14. They pointed out that no one could deal with the matter until they knew al the facts.15. Someone hasn’t stuck this stamp on very firmy.16. Events will bear out the truth of what I’m saying.17. An official held us up at the Customs for half an hour. 18. How can we bring about the desired result?19. He hates people making fun of him. (Passive Gerund)

KEEP TRYING- MARIANA SIMION

Rewrite the sentences using the Passive Voice.

1 . They offered a nice birthday present to Ted.2 . She returned the books to the librarian.3 . I gave the tickets to my friends.4 . Paul sent some flowers to Linda.5 . Peter gave his little brother a nice apple.6 . We showed the house to the visitors.7 . I lent my brother some money.8 . I will send a letter to you.9 . People must park their cars here.10. She promised him immediate help.11. She sang a charming Scottish song.12. Children ask a lot of questions.

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13. They didn’t mend the roof yesterday.14. They made Paul captain.15. The teacher of English made him work hard.16. I will consult my professor on that urgent matter.17. They told me the great news.18. They will tell him what to do.19. I give them two lessons a week.20. I will give you the answer tonight.21. He will ake us for a walk.22. They lost two ships in a storm.23. Nobody asked me to play the piano.24. They don’t open the shop before nine o’clock.25. Peter is going to fix your car.26. They are opening the window now.27. I paid them the money this morning.28. They sweep the streets every day.29. Somebody has moved my car.30. They have opened my letters.31. They have bought the flat next door.32. They are building a new school.33. People suspect him of being a liar.34. You must write to him.35. They looked after their grandparents well.36. People know that he was the winner.37. You should have finished your paper by 9.30.38. She found your bag on the bench.39. When I entered the garage, someone was cleaning my car.40. I haven’t invited my friends to the party yet.41. They cancelled our flight because of fog.42. Someone accused him of stealing things.43. Somebody is cleaning my room.44. They have built a new school near the Post Office.45. They have sent your letter to the wrong address.46. They must do something.47. They repaired our cassette-player yesterday.48. They offered her a good job.49. Has anybody shown you how to handle this?50. He should have offered her flowers.51. Nobody told me that you were ill.52. Last night the police stopped him.53. A bee stung Bill while he was in the garden.54. They broke that window.55. They asked me a lot of difficult questions.56. Tom’s friends gave him a nice present on his birthday.57. Somebody took my new hat.58. Somebody is following us.

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59. They are signing a very important paper.60. Somebody was washing the floor when I arrived home.61. I will give you plenty of time to decide.62. A car ran over our neighbour’s dog.63. I don’t like peope teling me what to do.64. She remembers somebody giving her a toy balloon on her birthday.65. I hate people keeping me waiting.66. They don’t often invite her to parties.67. I don’t like people asking me stupid questions.68. Nobody told her you would come.69. They will pay her a lot of money.70. People say that Ann is very rich.71. People say that you have broken your leg.72. People say you write poetry.73. People say he stole a car long time ago.74. They haven’t stamped this letter.75. The teacher will read the poem twice.76. A bus knocked him down.77. You should lock all these papers up.78. They have warned me.79. Passengers leave umbrellas in buses and trams.80. An ambulance took Granny to hospital.81. They are demolishing our old house.82. Somebody left this bag in my car yesterday.83. Mother takes all the meals up to him.84. Students may not use dictionaries during the exam. 85. They took her for her sister.86. Nobody has used this computer for ages.87. She shouldn’t allow them to go there.88. We have sold all our copies.89. They posted my parcel.90. People must keep dogs on leash in the shops.91. They didn’t pay me for that work.92. Carla handed round coffee and cakes.93. I have taken down that stupid notice.94. They can’t repair your watch.95. Someone has removed the radio.96. You need not type this report.97. They called in the police.98. She didn’t look after him properly.99. I will see you off at the airport.100. They have invited him out.

A PRACTICAL GUIDE TO ENGLISH GRAMMAR-E. ILOVICI, M. CHITORAN

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Change the following sentences into the Passive voice:

1 . A stranger spoke to me on my way here; he wanted to know the time.2 . The wind blew the man’s hat off.3 . What will you call the new dog?4 . I’m sorry, I have burnt the letter in the fire.5 . He completed the letter in time.6 . They consulted the professor on that urgent matter.7 . They are shutting up their house for the summer.8 . I soon lost sight of the boat.9 . A nurse has been looking after this patient for the last three nights.10. We could read the names of the streets by the light of the moon.11. Children ask a lot of questions.12. They requested us to show our invitations.13. We must pay the rent at the end of each month.14. He took us for a drive in the countryside.15. The teacher made him work very hard.

Rewrite these sentences using the Passive Voice.

1 . They didn’t mend the fence yesterday.2 . Nobody asked George to sing.3 . People must park their cars here.4 . They are going to hod a meeting tonight.5 . They will broadcast the programme again.6 . They are dry- cleaning the suit.7 . They made Tom captain of the team.8 . They don’t close the library before seven o’ clock.9 . You must shake this bottle of medicine before using it.10. They haven’t invited their friends to the wedding yet.11. Most people know two foreign languages.12. Someone is going to fix the TV set.13. He found your wallet in the shop.14. Someone was polishing the car.

Change the following sentences into the Active Voice.

1. The town is well provided with schools.2. The matter will be more fully dealt with in a later chapter.3. His neighbour was run over by a car.4. The ship was lost in a storm.5. The cellar was flooded with water.

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6. He spoke for an hour, and his remarks were received by the audience with loud applause.

7. Millions of tons of coal have been exported by Great Britain annually.8. No reason was given for this decision.9. She sang a charming song and was twice encored.10. It is reported that there has been an accident on the line.11. All traffic was suspended for nearly an hour.12. Children are forbidden to play on the pavement.13. Students learning foreign languages are always recommended to read foreign

literature in the original.14. I hate to be hindered in my work.

Change the following sentences into the Passive Voice, knowing that transitive verbs admit of two passive constructions.

1 . We showed them our new flat.2 . They told him the news.3 . They offered him a steady job.4 . They promised him immediate help.5 . We give them two lessons a week.6 . The guide showed us the way to the nearest chalet.7 . The physician prescribed an excellent medicine for the sick woman.8 . I paid them the money this morning.9 . The jury awarded the Pulitzer Prize to the writer.

Change the following intransitive verbs into the Passive Voice.Pay attention to the prepositions following these verbs.

1 . They have called for the doctor.2 . The newspapers will comment upon that great scientific event.3 . They have arrived at an agreement.4 . We objected to his suggestion.5 . They carefully listen to their professor’s lecture.6 . His parents insist upon a strict discipline in all his work.7 . We often refer to these lines of poetry.8 . They spoke much about that outstanding composer.9 . Nobody has lived in that country house for years.10. We must affectionately look after the aged.11. Don’t put on that battered hat. Everybody will laugh at you.

Translate the following sentences into Romanian.

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1 . The coat wears well.2 . Adventure books sell instantly.3 . The play reads better than it acts.4 . A good ripe plum peels easily.5 . The cloth does not tear.6 . The cat’s coat feels soft.7 . This medicine tastes bitter.8 . That calico will not wear well.9 . The stone feels rough.

Translate into English.

1 . Ti se va spune ce sa faci.2 . Ti se va da o carte.3 . Ce vi se spune in acest paragraf?4 . Ni se spune ca masinile vor fi fabricate la noi in tara.5 . Ce vi s-a spus la Institut?6 . Ni s-a spus ca practica de vara va fi inceputa la 1 iulie.7 . I s-a oferit un post de bibliotecar.8 . Propunerea va fi aprobata de comitet.9 . Nu I s-a vorbit toata seara.10. S-a ajuns la un acord dupa lungi discutii.11. Chestiunea a fost discutata de mai multe ori anul acesta.

READY FOR EXAMS- RADU LUPULEASA, A. A. STEFANIU

Turn from Active Voice into Passive Voice.

1 . He has never tod us the truth.2 . They called him a fool.3 . She gave me the letter.4 . They will give him a present.5 . We shall offer all the girls flowers.6 . My teacher has lent me this book.7 . The doctor told the woman to stay in bed.8 . He will pay the damage.9 . We’ll serve breakfast at 8 o’clock.10. They serve tea very often.11. The man asked the children several questions.12. We won’t ask for any information.

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13. He speaks at least four foreign languages.14. We put the things on the table.15. They gave her the good news.16. They elected Clinton president.17. We saluted our friends.18. I’ve read my latest poem to them.19. The chairman announced the prize winner.20. Jane advised Susan to continue her research work.21. I suggested him to be more careful from now on.22. The general gave orders to his soldiers.23. Nobody believed him.24. He built the house ten years ago.25. We informed the authorities at once.26. Jack painted the wall.27. They bought some modern paintings.28. I opened the window immediately.29. We demolished the old house a week ago.30. Hagi scored a wonderful goal.31. Many people break the laws nowadays.32. We listened to the songs very attentively.33. Yesterday at 7 o’clock Frank was reading an English novel.34. We’ve been watching this TV programme since 2 o’clock.35. We’ve heard the latest news on the radio.36. The children planted trees in the school garden.37. Laken repaired the fence.38. They ate fruit from the orchard.39. I saw your father in the park yesterday.40. Robert lent him the notebook.41. Diana sings a beautiful song at her friends’ parties.42. They climbed the tree in no time.43. The politician addressed a large audience.44. He rudely shut the door in her face.45. When I arrived, they were saying prayers.46. I am sure they will find Tom.47. Ernest never tells the bare truth.48. I asked him about the letter.49. Thr thief stole the woman’s purse.50. The traitor has revealed all the secrets.

ROUND-UP 5 VIRGINIA EVANS

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Put the verbs in brackets into the correct passive form.

There is an old castle in Norwich which 1)…is believed…(believe) to 2)….(haunt). It 3)….(call) North Castleand it 4)….(say) that ghosts can 5)….(see) there at night.The castle 6)….(build) 400 years ago and 7)….(own) by two old ladies who 8)….(believe) to be witches.One day, long ago, they both disappeared and they 9)….(never/ see) again. In 1985 the castle 10)….(buy) by a businessman and 11)….(convert) into a luxurious hotel. The castle 12)….(visit) by quite a few guests every year and special groups 13)….(organise) to watch for ghosts. It has been a long time since any ghosts 14)….(see) , but one night a trick 15)….(play) on some visitorsby a local couple, who dressed up as the two “witches”. They 16)….(see) by a guest, who said that she 17)….(frighten) almost to death. The couple apologised the next day, and 18)….(tell)never to visit the castle again, certainly not in the middle of the night dressed up aswitches.

Rewrite the newspaper headlines as complete sentences.

1. RARE BIRDS FOUND IN REMOTE COUNTRYSIDE2. QUEEN WELCOMED TO AUSTRALIA YESTERDAY3. NEW JERSEY TO BE HIT BY BAD WEATHER TOMORROW4. FIVE PEOPLE INJURED IN CAR ACCIDENT5. EXPERIMENTS BEING CARRIED OUT ON MOON ROCKS6. POP CONCERT CALLED OFF YESTERDAY BECAUSE OF RAIN

e.g. A rare bird has been found in the remote countryside.

Put the verbs in brackets into the correct passive form.

Professor Higgins, who 1)….was awarded…. (award) a major science prize last month, 2)….(invite) to take part in a conference which 3)….(hold) in London last week. He 4)….(meet) at the airport by a driver who, unfortunately, 5)….(give)the name of the wrong hotel to take the professor to. A large reception 6)….(organise) for the professor, and at least 200 eminent scientists 7)….(invite) to meet him that evening.The poor professor, however, 8)….(leave) at a small hotel in a rather bad area, and when he asked to speak to the Head of the Conference Committee he 9)….(tell) to try somewhere else because he 10)….(not/ hear of) there. Luckily, later that evening, the driver 11)….(send) to the hotelwhere the reception 12)….(hold), and when he 13)….(ask) what he had done with the professor, everyone realised that a mistake 14)….(make). The professor says that if he15)….(ever/ send) another invitation to a conference, he hopes it 16)….(organise) moreefficiently.Fill in the correct passive form.

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A new wing 1)….is being built….(build). The walls 2)….(paint). Some trees 3)….(plant).The roof 4)….(repair). The school 5)….(change) from a primary school to a secondary school. A library 6)….(open) next week. Computers 7)….(deliver) at the moment. New desks 8)….(already/ buy).

Turn from Active into Passive.

1 . An expert is restoring the antique car.2 . Steven Spielberg has directed a lot of successful films.3 . The judge has fined him $ 300.4 . A number of reporters will meet the professor at the airport.5 . A famous designer is going to redecorate the President’s house.6 . The Romans founded Bath in the first century A. D.7 . A nightmare woke Mary up.8 . Muslims celebrate Ramadan.9 . Van Gogh painted “Sunflowers”.10. Astronauts are exploring space.

Turn from Active into Passive. Omit the agent where it can be omitted.

1 . They kill elephants for ivory. Elephants are killed for ivory. (omitted)2 . Homer wrote the “Illiad”.3 . People chop down a lot of trees every year.4 . The government will introduce new measures against crime.5 . Someone has burgled Ann’s house.6 . She offered me a cup of tea.7 . They check passports at Passport Control.8 . A million people visit the cathedral every year.9 . Someone has stolen Mike’s bicycle.

Rewrite the following passage in the Passive.

Somebody gave me a goat for my birthday last year. They had bought it from a farm down the road. We keep it tidied to a tree in our garden. My father normally looks after it, but last week his company sent him abroad on business. A few days later, our neighbour called me to the window. I hadn’t tied the goat up properly. The goat was eating her washing!

Fill in “by” or “with”.

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1 . The window was broken..with..a hammer.2 . He was knocked down….a car.3 . The lion was shot…a rifle.4 . That novel was written….D. H. Lawrence.5 . The garden was dug….a spade.6 . Tha city was attacked ….the enemy.7 . The pudding was made ….fruit and chocolate.8 . He was hit ….a handbag.9 . The picture was painted…. Jackson Pollack.10. The house was built ….wood and bricks.

Fill in the correct form of the verbs.

A florist is taking a telephone order from a customer.

Customer : Hello, I’d like to order some flowers, please.Florist : Certainly, sir. When would you like them 1) to be delivered..(deliver) ?Customer : Can they 2)….(deliver) on Monday?Florist : Oh, I’m sorry, sir. No flowers can 3)….(send) on Monday because it’s a bank holiday. The shop will be closed .Customer : Oh, can they 4)….(send) on Friday then?Florist : Certainly, sir. Where should they 5)….(take) to?Customer : 47, Hanson Road, Croydon.Florist : Okay, and who should they 6)….(address) to?

Turn the following sentences into the Passive.

1 . Scientists might discover a cure for cancer. A cure for cancer might be dicovered.2 . Someone should help the old woman across the street.3 . They might have arrested the escaped prisoner.4 . They should have provided more food at the reception.5 . They ought to warn the public about him.6 . They should build more bus lanes.7 . They could have written the answers more clearly.

Rewrite the following passage in the Passive.Our apartment-block is starting a new scheme. We will collect all the old newspapers and tin cans. We will put them in a special container. When the container is full, the council will collect it. They will take it to a factory.The factory will recycle the newspapers and cans into something new.Take the following into the Passive in two ways.

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1 . They gave him a watch when he retired.2 . They have offered him the job.3 . She will send you a fax.4 . They are going to show me a new technique.5 . Someone gave her a book.6 . They give the students extra lessons.7 . They have shown her the plans for the house.8 . They should have sent you a receipt.

Turn the following into the Passive as in the example:

1 . People expect him to win. He..is expected to win.. . It is expected that he will win.2 . Journalists have reported that the President is ill.3 . Everyone knows that the statement was untrue.4 . Many people believe that the climate is changing.5 . Everyone knows that he has been in prison.6 . Many people say that the new prices are too high.7 . They claim that this diamond is the largest in the world.

Turn the following into the Passive.

1 . I don’t like people shouting at me.2 . I don’t like people staring at me.3 . I don’t like people talking about me.4 . I hate people asking me questions.

Fill in the Past Continuous Passive or the Past Perfect Passive.

1 . They didn’t leave the restaurant until the bill ..had been paid..(pay) .2 . I couldn’t go to my favouritecafe for a drink. It…. (redecorate) .3 . He…. (take) to the hospital when the ambulance crashed.4 . The search was called off. The escaped criminal ….(find) .5 . When I looked for my television set I couldn’t find it. I had forgotten it….(repair).6 . By the time I returned from my work, my new washing machine ….(deliver) .7 . I didn’t go to her party because I ….(not / invite) .

Rewrite the following passage in the Passive.

Somebody left a box on the No. 53 bus last night. A woman found it under her seat. She gave it to the bus driver. No one knows where it came from. The police are making enquiries now. The police are searching for the owner of the box because they have found a bomb in it. They hope they will arrest the person soon.

Turn from Active into Passive.

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1 . The ancient Greeks built the Acropolis.2 . Martin is writing the company report this year.3 . Somebody will clean the room tomorrow.4 . They put fresh flowers in the hotel room every day.5 . Bad weather may delay your flight.6 . They gave Sandy a present.7 . They think the President is dying.8 . They made her cry.9 . The mechanic has repaired the car.10. The bomb destroyed the building.

Turn from Passive into Active.

1 . He was hit by a faling brick.2 . She was employed by an international company.3 . This essay was written by Sandra.4 . The burglar might have been arrested.5 . He has been sent a parcel.6 . Roger was seen to leave.7 . The kidnappers are known to have left the country.8 . The exhibition will be opened by the mayor.9 . It is hoped that the economy will improve.

Fill in the correct tense. Use Passive or Active according to the context.

1 . When she heard that her dog..had been killed..(kill), she burst into tears.2 . We hope that the missing money ….(find) soon.3 . A new bridge ….(build) at the moment.4 . When she discovered that Tom ….(eat) all the biscuits she got very angry.5 . It’s no use trying – you …. (waste) your time.6 . A lot of money ….(spend) on weapons nowadays.7 . Too many offices ….(build) in London over the last ten years.8 . The President ….(give) a speech next Monday.9 . The driver ….(go) too fast when he hit the child.

Rephrase the following sentences:

1 . People say that the company is having problems. The company ..is said to be having problems.. .2 . Everyone thought hat he was lying. It….3 . People believe that a spy revealed the secret. A spy….4 . Journalists report that the war is over. The war….5 . People expect that she will win an Oscar. It ….6 . Someone should clean up the mess. This mess ….7 . The crew had not checked the plane before we boarded. The plane….

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8 . Everyone expects that it will rain this weekend. It….9 . They will execute the prisoner tomorrow. The prisoner ….10. They sold the car factory to a German company. The car factory….11. People believe he is the richest man in the world. He….

A.J. THOMSON A.V.MARTINET A PRACTICAL ENGLISH GRAMMAR

Put the following into the passive voice. The agent should not be mentioned except in numbers 11 and 28.

1 . You should open the wine about three hours before you use it.2 . Previous climbers had cut steps in the ice.3 . Somebody had cleaned my shoes and brushed my suit.4 . We use this room only on special occasions.5 . You must not hammer nails into the walls without permission.6 . In some districts farmers use pigs to find truffles.7 . Someone switched on a light and opened the door.8 . Somebody had slashed the picture with a knife.9 . They are pulling down the old theatre.10. Why didn’t they mend the roof before it fell in?11. The mob broke all the shop windows in recent riots.12. The librarian said that they were starting a new system because people were not returning books.13. The police asked each of us about his movements on the night of the crime.14. Someone will serve refreshments.15. People must not leave bicycles in the hall.16. Members may keep books for three weeks. After that they must return them.17. The burglars had cut an enormous hole in the steel door.18. I’ve bought a harp. They are delivering it this afternoon. (Do not change the first sentence).19. Someone has already told him to report for duty at six.20. They rang the church bells as a flood warning.21. No one can do anything unless someone gives us more information.22. People are spending far more money on food now than they spent ten years ago.23. The organizers will exhibit the paintings till the end of the month.24. They will say nothing more about the matter if someone returns the stolen gun.25. It is high time someone told him to stop behaving like a child.26. A thief stole my dog and brought him back only when I offered $20 reward for him.27. The judge gave him two weeks in which to pay the fine.28. They make these artificial flowers of silk.

Put the following into the passive, mentioning the agent where necessary.

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The gerund after certain verbs is replaced in the passive by SHOULD BE + past participle: They advised employing part-time workers. They advised that part time workers should be employed.

1 . They feed the seals at the zoo twice a day.2 . Who wrote it?3 . Compare clothes which we have washed with clothes which any other laundry has washed.4 . He expected us to offer him the job.5 . They showed her the easiest way to do it.6 . Lightning struck the old oak.7 . Titian couldn’t have painted it as people didn’t wear that style of dress till after his death.8 . A jellyfish stung her.9 . The author has written a special edition for children.10. Judges used to carry sweet herbs as a protection against jail-fever.11. What did he write it with? He wrote it with a matchstick dipped in blood.12. An uneasy silence succeeded the shot.13. Did the idea interest you?14. The lawyer gave him the details of his uncle’s will.15. Beavers make thse dams.16. They used to start these engines by hand. Now they start them by electricity.17. Most people opposed this.18. Students are doing a lot of work.19. The Prime Minister was to have opened the dry dock.20. They recommended opening new factories in the depressed area.21. The closure of the workshops will make a lot of men redundant.22. Anyone with the smallest intelligence could understand these instructions.23. We will not admit children under sixteen.24. Boys of sixteen to eighteen are to man this training ship.25. A rainstorm flooded the gypsies’ camp.26. The howling of wolves kept him awake all night.27. They suggested making the tests easier. (Use should)28. Children couldn’t have done all this damage.

Vol II

1 . The milkman brings the milk to my door but the postman leaves the letters in the hall.2 . In future, perhaps, they won’t bring letters to the houses, and we shall have to collect them from the Post Office.3 . People steal things from supermarkets every day; someone stole twenty bottles of whisky from this one last week.4 . Normally men sweep this street every day, but nobody swept it last week.

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5 . The postman clears this box three times a day. He last cleared it at 2.30 .6 . Someone turned on a light in the hall and opened the door.7 . Women clean this office in the evening after the stuff have left; they clean the upstairs offices between seven and eight in the morning.8 . We never saw him in the dining-room. A maid took all his meals up to him.9 . Someone left this purse in a classroom yesterday; the cleaner found it.10. We build well over 1,000 new houses a year. Last year we built 1,500.11.We serve hot meals till 10.30, and guests can order coffee and sandwiches up to 11.30.12. Passengers leave all sorts of things in buses. The conductors collect them and send them to the Lost Property Office.13. An ambulance took the sick man to the hospital. (Mention ambulance)14. We kill and injure people on the roads every day. Can’t we do something about this?15. Dogs guard the warehouse. The other day a thief tried to get in and a dog saw him and chased him.16. The watchman called the police. The police arrested the man.17. Tom had only a slight injury and they helped him off the field; but Jack was seriously injured and they carried him off on a stretcher. (Tom, who had… but Jack, who was..)18. You can’t wash this dress; you must dry-clean it.19. They are demolishing the entire block.20. He recommends fitting new tyres. (use should)21. He suggests allowing council tenants to buy their houses.22. Men with slide rules used to do these calculations; now a computer does them.23. The court trird the man, found him guilty and sent him to prison.24. The hall porter polishes the knockers of all the flats every day. Well, he hasn’t polished mine for a week.25. They are repairing my piano at the moment.26. Passengers shouldn’t throw away their tickets as inspectors may check these during the journey.27. They invited Jack but they didn’t invite Tom.28. The guests ate all the sandwiches and drank all the beer. They left nothing.29. Has someone posted my parcel?30. Why did no one inform me of the change of plan?31. Tom Smith wrote the book and Brown and Co. published it.32. We shall have to tow the car to the garage.33. I’m afraid we have sold all our copies but we have ordered more.34. We will prosecute trespassers.35. Someone stole my car and abandoned it fifteen miles away. He had removed the radio but done no other damage.36. You must keep dogs on leads in the gardens.

Put the transitive verbs into the passive voice. Do not mention the agent unless it seems necessary.

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1 . They haven’t stamped the letter.2 . They didn’t pay me for the work; they expected me to do it for nothing.3 . He escaped when they were moving him from one prison to another.4 . She didn’t introduce me to her mother.5 . A frightful crash wakened me at 4 a. m.6 . When they have widened this street the roar of the traffic will keep residents awake all night.7 . They threw away the rubbish.8 . A Japanese firm makes these television sets.9 . An earthquake destroyed the town.10. A machine could do this more easily.11. Visitors must leave umbrellas and sticks in the cloakroom.12. We ask tenants not to play their radios loudly after midnight.13. We can’t repair your clock.14. We cannot exchange articles which customers have bought during the sale.(Articles..)15. We have to pick the fruit very early in the morning; otherwise we can’t get it to the market in time.16. The police shouldn’t allow people to park there.17. They are watching my house.18. The examiner will read the passage three times.19. Candidates may not use dictionaries.20. You need not type this letter.21. This used to be number 13, but now I see that someone has crossed out “13” and written “12A” underneath.22. You mustn’t move this man; he is too ill. You’ll have to leavehim here.23. They searched his house and found a number of stolen articles.24. Nobody has used this room for ages.25. They took him for a Frenchman, his French was so good.26. You should have taken those books back to the library.27. They brought the children up in Italy.28. They have taken down the Foe Sale notice, so I suppose they have sold the house.29. Someone broke into his house and stole a lot of his things.30. We have warned you.31. A lorry knocked him down.32. They returned my keys to me; someone had picked them up in the street.33. We had to give the books back; they did not allow us to take them home.34.You shouldn’t leave these documents on the desk. You should lock them up.35. They handed round coffee and biscuits.36. They have tried other people’s schemes. Why have they never tried my scheme?

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In this exercise most of the sentences contain a verb + preposition / adverb combination. The preposition or adverb must be retained when the combination is put into the passive. In most of the sentences it is not necessary to mention the agent.

1. The government has called out troops.2. Fog held up the trains. (agent required)3. You are to leave this here. Someone will call for it later.4. We called in the police.5. They didn’t look after the children properly.6. They are flying in reinforcements.7. Then they called up men of 28.8. Everyone looked up to him. (agent required)9. All the ministers will see him off at the airport. (agent required)10. He hasn’t slept in his bed.11. We can build on more rooms.12. They threw him out.13. They will have to adopt a different attitude.14. He’s a dangerous maniac. They ought to lock him up.15. Her story didn’t take them in.16. Burglars broke into the house.17. The manufacturers are giving away small plastic toys with each packet of

cereal.18. They took down the notice.19. They frown on smoking here.20. After the government had spent a million pounds on the scheme they decided

that it was impracticable and gave it up.( Make only the first and last verbs passive)

21. When I returned I found that they had towed my car away. I asked why they had done this and they told me that it was because I had parked it under a No Parking sign. (four passives)

22. People must hand in their weapons.23. The crowd shouted him down.24. People often take him for his brother.25. No one has taken out the cork.26. The film company were to have used the pool for aquatic displays, but now

they have changed their minds about it and are filling it in. (Make the first and last verbs passive)

27. This college is already full. We are turning away students the whole time.28. You will have to pull down this skyscraper as you have not complied with the

town planning regulations.

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ACTIVE TO PASSIVE WITH CHANGES OF CONSTRUCTION

Some of the following sentences when put into the passive require or can have a change of construction.1. believe, claim, consider, find, know, say, suppose and think when used in the passive can be followed by an infinitive: They say he is a spy = He is said to be a spy. They say he was a spy = He is said to have been a spy.It is said that he is / was…. is also possible.2. Subject + be supposed + infinitive often conveys an idea of duty, particularly when the subject is you: It is your duty to obey him = You are supposed to obey him.3. Infinitives after passive verbs are normally full infinitives.4. Note the use of have + object + past participle: Get someone to mend it = Have it mended.5. Note the use of should in the passive.

Put the following sentences into the passive, using an infinitive construction where possible:

1. We added up the money and found that it was correct.2. I’m employing a man to tile the bathroom.3. Someone seems to have made a terrible mistake.4. It is your duty to make tea at eleven o’clock.(Use suppose)5. People know that he is armed.6. Someone saw him pick up the gun.7. We know that you were in town on the night of the crime.8. We believe that he has special knowledge which may be useful to the police.

(one passive)9. You needn’t have done this.10. It’s a little too loose; you had better ask your tailor to take it in.11. He likes people to call him “sir”.12. Don’t touch this switch.13. You will have to get someone to see to it.14. It is impossible to do this. (Use can’t)15. Someone is following us.16. They used to make little boys climb the chimneys to clean them.(one passive)17. You have to see it to believe it.(two passives)18. You order me about and I’m tired of it.(I’m tired of….)19. He doesn’t like people laughing at him.20. You don’t need to wind this watch.21. They shouldn’t have told him.22. They decided to divide the money between the widows of the lifeboatmen.

(They decided that the money…)23. People believe that he was killed by terrorists.24. They are to send letters to the leaders of charitable organizatons.

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25. We consider that she was the best singer that Australia has ever produced. (one passive)

26. We don’t allow smoking.27. We know that the expedition reached the South Pole in May.28. Before they invented printing people had to write everything by hand.29. They urged the government to create more jobs. (two ways)30. They suggested banning the sale of alcohol at football matches.

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