Using passive voice
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Students' problems | page 4 of 6 |
Passive voice with ergative verbs
Students sometimes have difficulty choosing appropriately between using an ergative verb 
in passive voice and using the same verb intransitively, ie whether to use a form
such as the weights were dropped or a form such as the weights dropped.
One common error is to overuse the passive with ergative verbs in contexts in which the implication of a causer of the action may not be appropriate:
English was developed from Latin, like most other languages in Europe, such as French and Italian. (TeleNex Students)
English developed from Latin, like most other languages in Europe, such as French and Italian.Expatriate teachers will probably be disappointed when trying to communicate with students as the English level has been dropped recently. (TeleNex Students)
Expatriate teachers will probably be disappointed when trying to communicate with students as the English level has dropped recently.
The following example is also a little odd, and in most contexts the intransitive version would be more likely. In other words we tend to think of the airport as somehow relocating on its own, rather than being physically moved by someone or something:
The airport will be moved to Chek Lap Kok in 1998. (TeleNex Students)
The airport will move to Chek Lap Kok in 1998.
For further information about the use of passive voice and ergative verbs, see 
Using passive voice: Passive voice with ergative verbs.
Introduction
Passive voice with ergative verbs
