Using passive voice
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Passive voice or be + adjective | page 4 of 5 |
Semi-passives
Semi-passives have the following characteristics:
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They can have agents  following the preposition by: |
China was not worried by moves anticipated at the UN Human Rights Commission. (Bank of English)
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They can have an active version: |
Moves anticipated at the UN Human Rights Commission did not worry China.
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Often a preposition other than by can be used: |
China was not worried about moves anticipated at the UN Human Rights Commission.
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Like adjectives, the -ed/en form can be modified by adverbs such as very and quite: |
China was not very worried by moves anticipated at the UN Human Rights Commission.
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The verb be can be replaced by another linking verb such as seem or become: |
China did not seem worried by moves anticipated at the UN Human Rights Commission.
Introduction
Semi-passives
