Using passive voice
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Passive voice with linking verbs | page 3 of 6 |
Time and space
Linking verbs which indicate how things (or events) are related in time and space are very commonly used in identifying clauses and, because identifying clauses are reversible, they often occur in passive voice:
Not only was the dismissal a great event, but it was preceded by months of riveting political news. (Bank of English)
That will be closely followed by a meeting with academics and others at Oxford University. (SCMP 12/11/92)
Her legs, both of which have been amputated above the knee, are covered by a yellow cashmere blanket. (Bank of English)
The shallow pool is surrounded by young families even on weekdays.
(Bank of English)
However, note that with many examples of this kind of verb, the object of the
preposition (usually considered the agent 
in passive voice clauses with by) can
be introduced by prepositions other than by:
The church steps are lined with candles ... (Microconcord Corpus B)
The bath was filled with a lethal cocktail of all available liquor.
(SCMP 27/10/89)
This is related to the fact that there is a fuzzy borderline between such passive voice
clauses and clauses with -ed/en adjectives preceded by the linking verb be,
and many clauses can in fact be interpreted either way. For further information about
this, see 
Using passive voice: Passive voice
or be + adjective.
Time and space
