Passives, causatives and get

We use passive forms for reasons of style and of clarity, as well as of meaning. Mostly
the rules of passive formation are straightforward, but it needs to be noted that certain
words and structures cannot be used in the passive. Related to the use of forms of be in
the passive are the causative uses of have and get and the informal passive use of get.

PASSIVE FORMS
8.1A The subject of an active verb (e.g. the judge) can be the agent of a passive verb. We
Basic often don't mention the agent in the passive, but if we do it is introduced with by:
patterns The judge will read out the names of the winners in alphabetical order.
The names of the winners will be read out in alphabetical order (by the judge).
Notice that the object of the active verb (e.g. the names of the winners) is the subject of
the passive verb.
o Verbs with no direct object (intransitive verbs) cannot be used in the passive:
X The post hllS been arrived. (passive) V" The post has arrived. (active)
Some verbs have two objects, e.g. The manager offered the customer a refund. Either
object can be the subject of the passive verb:
The customer was offered a refund. or A refund was offered to the customer.
Note that if the object of the passive verb is the indirect object of the active verb (the
customer) it is usually introduced with a preposition (e.g. to the customer).

8.1B We make the passive form of verbs in all tenses by using be in the appropriate tense
Passive verb plus the past participle of the main verb:
forms My bag was stolen. (= A thief stole my bag.)
The murder is being investigated. (= The police are investigating the murder.)
Note these comparisons of active and passive forms:

active passive
modal verbs: verb + be Candidates must answer All the questions must be
+ past participle all the questions. answered.
They have to take a test. A test has to be taken.
modal perfects: verb + Someone might have It might have been stolen.
have been + past participle stolen it.
The jury ought to have He ought to have been
convicted him. convicted.
multi-word verbs: We They took the company X The C8fl'ltJef}Y W85 ffi.'fett By
never separate the verb over in 2001. them 6~'e" if} 200 1.
and particle(s) in the V' The company was taken over
passive. (by them) in 2001.
make (= force)/see/hear/ The boss made me work I was made to work late.
help + infinitive: be + past late.
participle + to + infinitive I saw her take it. She was seen to take it.
let: Let has no passive form The teacher let us leave We were allowed/permitted/
so we use a passive form of early. given permission to leave
allow/permit/give permission. early.
o We avoid using the passive of the perfect continuous tenses. We prefer to use an
active form and an impersonal subject, e.g. they/one (III- 27.3):
X By Rext mORth the murder Vim have been being investigated for-over a year.
V" By next month they will have been investigating the murder for over a year.
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 o We usually avoid repeating the same passive auxiliary forms 19.1 A) in a sentence:
[The contracts have been signed and have been dated in front of two witnesses.]
V' The contracts have been signed and dated in front of two witnesses.
8.1 C When we are reporting speech (e.g. The press said he was innocent) and we don't want
He/It was to mention the person whose words are being reported, or we want to describe an
said... impersonal or general feeling, we can use a passive form of the reporting verb. There
are two patterns:
• Subject + passive verb + to + infinitive:
He was said to be innocent. He was asked to leave.
• It + passive verb + that clause:
It was said that he was innocent.
We use the same pattern with it when reporting decisions and general feelings:
It was decided/agreed/felt that it would be too costly to take the case to trial.
We use these passive patterns as an alternative to using an 'empty' subject like they:
They said he was innocent. (~ 27.1 F)
(For more information on impersonal it ~ 33.2C.)
8.1 D Certain verbs desc~ibing states, such as have (= own), be, belong, lack, resemble and
Verbs not seem, cannot be made passive:
used in the X 4-FeFFeri-is--h6d--17tJ-Jehlt: V' John has a Ferrari. (state)
passive These verbs cannot be used in the passive even when they describe an action:
X /::;unc17 is being had by Jehn. V' John's having lunch.
But the passive can describe a state which is the result of an action. The meaning is
similar to an -ed participle adjective 21.2A):
He went to the payphone to make a call but the phone was broken.
(Somebody had already broken the phone; it was a 'broken' phone.)
Verbs followed by to + infinitive usually cannot b~ made passive:
X Your questions are refused to answer. V' I refuse to answer your questions.
Verbs of wanting and liking, e.g. want, love, hate + object + infinitive cannot be made
passive:
X He VIas wanted to leave. v She wanted him to leave.

8.1 E In informal English, get can be used as an alternative to be in passive forms which
Passives describe actions. We often use get to describe an unusual or unexpected action:
with get 'How did he get hurt?' (= How was he hurt?)
'His hand got trapped in the car door. ' (= His hand was trapped ... )
o We cannot use get to describe states:
X That house gets owned by my uncle. V' That house is owned by my uncle. (state)

PASSIVE -INC FORMS AND INFINITIVES

8.2A We can use -ing forms in the passive, as shown here:
Passive -ing
active passive
forms
-ing form: being + past participle:
I don't like people lying to me. I don't like being lied to.
He enjoys his parents spoiling him. He enjoys being spoiled.
perfect -ing form: having been + past participle:
Having signed the deal, we went out The deal having been signed, we went out
to celebrate. to celebrate.
Not having finalised the quarterly The quarterly accounts not having been finalised,
accounts, the auditors were unable the auditors were unable to present their
to present their report. report.
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 We can use having been + past participle and being + past participle to refer to the
past after certain verbs which are followed by an -ing form, e.g. regret, remember:
We regret not having been shown/not being shown the Acropolis. (= We regret the
fact that the tour guide didn't show us the Acropolis.)
I remember having been informed/being informed about the assault. (= I remember
that I was informed about the assault.)

8.2B Infinitives can be passive (III> 13.3A):

Passive to be + past participle:
infinitives His dog loves to be patted and made a fuss of.
To be given the role of Titania was Elizabeth's greatest ambition.
James was hoping to be accepted on the engineering course.
There is a perfect form:
to have been + past participle:
This ascent is the first to have been achieved without the aid of oxygen.
We use the passive infinitive in reported speech with ask for + object (III> 9.4B):
Inspector Pascoe asked for the prisoners to be held in the cells overnight.
We can use the passive infinitive (or an active -ing form) after need (III> 17.1 C):
That cage really needs to be cleaned. (= That cage really needs cleaning.)

>:~\~ HAVE/GET + OBJECT + PAST PARTICIPLE

8.3A We use this pattern to describe something which is done for the subject by someone
Causative else. We can use it in all tenses. Get is usually more informal than have:
use I had the washing machine repaired yesterday. (= The washing machine was
repaired by an engineer.)
Do you get your hair done at Ebony's? (= Is your hair done at Ebony's?)
There is an 'active' version of this pattern with have and get which means 'cause
someone to do something'. The form with have is more common in US English:
Have + object + infinitive:
I had the mechanic repair my washing machine.
Get + object + to + infinitive:
I will get the hairdresser to do my hair this afternoon.
In British English we can use the get + object + to + infinitive pattern with a stronger
meaning of 'make someone do something':
After numerous letters from our solicitor we finally got them to give us a refund.

8.3B We can also use the pattern of have/get + object + past participle like a passive to
Passive use describe something which is done to the subject by someone else, often something
unpleasant or unexpected:
Liz had her passport stolen. (= Her passport was stolen.)
John got his tyres slashed by some hooligans.
Out of the blue, Mark had his plan approved by the board yesterday.

8.3C We can use the causative in imperatives. Here it can be the person spoken to or
Commands someone else who will do the action:
and promises Have/Get that mess cleaned up at once!
We can use the causative in future statements as commands or promises. Here it can
be the subject of the sentence or someone else who will do the action:
Don't worry. I'll have the report finished before the board meeting. (= I will do it or
I will get it done.)

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 USES OF THE PASSIVE
8.4A If the subject of a verb is new information, we often make the verb passive so that the
Information new information comes at the end (the information principle 36.1 A). For example, in
order the second sentence below, the new information is Picasso and 1937:
['Cuernica'is a wonderful example of cubist art. In 1937 Picasso painted it.]
In order to put this new information at the end we make the verb painted passive:
'Cuernica' is a wonderful example of cubist art. It was painted by Picasso in 1937.
If the subject of a verb is a long phrase or clause, we often make the sentence passive
so that the long clause comes at the end:
[The huge orange sun sinking slowly below the horizon delighted her.]
She was delighted by the huge orange sun sinking slowly below the horizon.
8.48 We often use the passive:
The • when the agent (the person or thing which causes an action) is not known:
'unimportant' She was murdered. (We don't know who did it.)
fg ent • when the agent is obvious from the context or from general knowledge:
She has been sacked. (obviously by her employer)
• when the age nUs not important or relevant:
Wars have been fought throughout history. (Who fought them is not important here.)

8.4C We use the passive when we wish to avoid mentioning the agent (for example, when we
Not don't want to directly blame any specific person, or we want to avoid personal
mentioning responsibility):
the agent I see the washing-up hasn't been done.
Oh dear, look, the vase has been broken.
Don't blame me. Nothing can be done about it.
By omitting the agent we can describe general f~elings, opinions or beliefs rather than
those of a particular person or group:
Sao Paulo is said to be the fastest-growing city in South America.
Rio de Janeiro has been described as the most beautiful city in the Americas.
8.40 The passive is often used in formal English to:
Focusing on focus on the issues rather than on the people involved (this is very common in
issues academic and scientific English):
The research was carried out over a period of six months.
describe rules and procedures:
Answers must be written in ink.
Candidates will be interviewed in alphabetical order.
describe commercial, industrial and scientific processes:
Minutes are taken and then submitted to the chair for approval.
Components are electronically tagged and transported to the production line.
describe historical, economic and social processes:
Tribal lands were sold over a period of fifty years.
The currency has been devalued twice since the war.

107
 Practice The key to these exercises is on page 357.

1 8.1 "~ '.. '

Rewrite these sentences using passive forms.
o Someone might have stolen it. ...It..~ht.~ .bw:v.r.i;QWv....
1 We will provide refreshments during the interval.
2 You should complete the form in black ink.
3 We have not tested this product on animals.
4 We supply this appliance with a plug.
5 Someone has fitted this car with an alarm.
6 We arrange our displays in chronological sequence.
7 You must wear hard hats while we are carrying out construction
work. (two passives)
8 We will prosecute all shoplifters.
9 Closed circuit cameras are monitoring this area.
10 You may find toilet facilities at the rear of block B.
11 We will take care of all the formalities.
12 The customs officer made me open my suitcases.
13 A lot of people say the government is out of touch with public
opinion.
14 The judge ought to have sent him to prison for life.
15 The check-in clerk gave Stephen an upgrade to first class.
16 A farmer let us park the caravan in his field overnight.
17 They saw him enter the building carrying a shotgun.
18 Some people think the proposed legislation is unworkable.
19 Someone broke a pane of glass while the boys were playing
in the street.
20 Their parents have given the twins a puppy for their birthday.

2 8.2, 8.3 _;2

Choose the word or phrase (A, B, C or D) which best completes each sentence.
o I don't like .... .. A..... cheated.
A being B to have been C been D get
............. been banned from driving, I was unable to rent a car on holiday.
A Getting B Having C Being D To
2 John enjoys being ............. around.
A bossing B boss C to boss D bossed
3 They hated not having ............. selected for the shortlist.
A been B be C being D get
4 I ............. my secretary re-type the memo.
A got B get Chad D having
5 She ............. her husband to put up some shelves in the kitchen.
A got B had C have D is having
6 They are getting their uncle ............. them his cottage in the country.
A lend Blending C to be lending D to lend

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 7 The minister will have his press officer ............. the news tomorrow.
A announce B announted C to announce D being announced
8 Michael deeply regretted not ............. selected for the Olympic squad.
A to be B having been C to get D been
9 The Opposition have asked for fuel taxes ............ .
A be reduced B to get reduced C being reduced D to be reduced
10 We'll ............. the builders to move the skip tomorrow morning.
A get B have C be having D getting
11 No problem. I'll ............. the figures printed out and on your desk by lunchtime.
A having B be having C have D to get
12 I really didn't expect this project ............. completed on schedule.
A having been B to be C being D have
13 The cats love ............. cuddled and stroked.
A have B having C to have been D to be
14 Theirs was probably the most glamorous wedding ............. featured in the pages of 'Hello'
magazine to date.
A getting B to have been C having D have

3
Choose the most appropriate phrase (A-J) to complete this extract from a guidebook. Five of the
phrases will not be needed.

Washington DC Tourist Guide

II' The White House

The official r~sidence of the President of the United States, (1) ......... .
each year.
.
It IS the only residence of a head of state whoICh IS
. open to
the public, free of charge, on a regular basis.
The ,0rigi.n~1 bUildi?g dates from 1792 and (2) ........... Much of
Hob~n s onglnal design survives, although the mansion had to be
rebUilt after (3) .......... in the war of 1814.
The.guided tour includes most of the state apartments. (4) .......... .
The pnv~te ~partments and offices are not open to the public. The
tour begins In the East Wing Lobby, an extension to the building
which (5) .......... .

A the British burned the house and many of its valuable contents
B they added in 1942.
C These include the East Room, the Lincoln Bedroom and the State Dining Room.
D the White House, is visited by more than one and a half million tourists
E it and many of its valuable contents were burned by the British
F an Irish-born architect, James Hoban, designed it.
G The East Room, the Lincoln Bedroom and the State Dining Room are included.
H was added in 1942.
I more than one and a half million tourists visit the White House
J was designed by an Irish-born architect, James Hoban.

109
 8.3 ¢

Match parts 1-3 with A-C in each set.

Set a
1 Have him report to me A because I was his line manager.
2 I had him reported B when you see him later.
3 I had him report to me C to his commanding officer.
Set b
1 We got the computer repaired A or you'll be in trouble.
2 Get the computer repaired B after he had fixed the printer.
3 We got the engineer to repair the computer C because it had broken down.

5 __
A passive verb form would be more appropriate for ten of the sentences (1-1 5). Tick (v) the five
sentences which should not be changed. If you think a sentence should be changed, choose the
correct reason(s) (A-D) from the list in the box then rewrite the sentence. The first two have been
done as examples (0 and 00).

The passive form is more appropriate because:

A the agent is unknown or unimportant
B the agent is obvious from the context or general knowledge
C we are describing rules, processes or procedures
D we prefer to put new information or a long subject clause at the end of a sentence

o You must dry clean this garment. .... ..!VQ..TI.tY.g¥..l11#.¢...I11M.t.h,:.tky..~.... .

00 That baby really resembles her mother. ........~............................................................ .
The stunning vista of long white beaches backed by verdant hills entranced her.

2 Our area sales manager has decided to leave. . ..................................................................... .

3 The executioner executed the prisoner at dawn. . ..................................................................... .
4 A man who had never known that he had rich relations inherited the estate.

5 My parents are staying with us over the weekend. . ..................................................................... .

6 The New York flight leaves at six thirty. ...................................................................... .
7 They collect the information from various retail outlets and they enter it onto the database.

8 An unknown person has vandalised the lift in our block.

9 The ancient Egyptians were superb stonemasons. . ..................................................................... .

10 People hardly ever see foxes in daylight. ...................................................................... .
11 People must complete this form in black ink and they must sign it.

12 Several members of the international press corps interviewed the terrorists.

13 This house used to belong to my aunt. . ..................................................................... .

14 The jury convicted the man and the judge sentenced him to fifteen years in jail.

15 They heat milk to 110°C and then they rapidly cool it to produce the final pasteurised product.

110
For each of the sentences below, write a new sentence as similar as possible in meaning to the
original sentence, but using the word given. This word must not be altered in any way.
o The accountants are looking into the matter.
being ......... rit&.VJ:C!!.#.lf...if. .I?~ .~qkM:.i!.@.............................................................................. .
They are delivering Daphne's new car this afternoon.
having ..................................................................................................................................... .
2 The athletes will have to pass a series of rigorous drug tests.
be ..................................................................................................................................... .
3 The parish council let us use the village hall for our meeting.
allowed ..................................................................................................................................... .
4 Having completed the project, we were able to leave early.
been ......................................................................................................................................
5 We resented the fact that the new manager didn't consult us over the expansion plans.
not having .....................................................................................................................................
6 I'll instruct the caretaker to open the gates early for you.
have ......................................................................................................................................
7 They believe the suspect is in hiding somewhere across the border.
believed ......................................................................................................................................
8 They sacked her for being late so often.
got ......................................................................................................................................

7 ALL ~~ ~

This text would be improved if at least seven of the verbs were passive. Underline the phrases
that should go into the passive and rewrite those sections of the text below.

Solving the Mystery of Hieroglyphics

For almost two thousand years the symbols and inscriptions which people had carved
2 onto the great monuments of ancient Egypt were a complete mystery. They were
3 obviously a kind of writing, but nobody knew what they meant.
4 Then, in 1799, a French officer discovered a strange stone in the small Egyptian town of
5 Rosetta. It had three types of writing carved into its surface. One of the languages was
6 Greek but the other two were unknown. A year later the British captured the stone and
7 the British moved it to the British Museum in London.
8 For twenty years the stone lay gathering dust in the museum. Then in 1822 somebody
9 asked a French scientist named Jean Fran!j:ois Champollion to look at the stone. He
10 immediately recognised that some of the symbols matched those he had seen on
11 monuments in Egypt. By comparing the Greek words with the Egyptian symbols he was
12 able to work out their meaning. The Egyptian symbols were hieroglyphs, a type of
13 writing in which pictures represent sounds and meanings.
14 Once somebody had solved the puzzle of their written language it became possible for
15 scholars to decipher the inscriptions on all the great monuments. Thus people finally
16 unlocked the mysteries of Egypt's fabulous history and culture.

Line: .. ..1.. ...... ~.w.p.~.w.~ ..... Line:

Line: Line:
Line: Line:
Line:
111