Discussion on English voice(1)(2)
2017-02-05 01:04
导读：2.1.2.–ed in the true-passive is called verbal-participle(动词性分词). The executor of true-passive refers to the person. Sometime, the executor is unclear or doesn’t be demoted. The executor
2.1.2.–ed in the true-passive is called verbal-participle(动词性分词). The executor of true-passive refers to the person. Sometime, the executor is unclear or doesn’t be demoted. The executor just can be led by “by” or omitted.
For examples:
His best friend was killed by a grenade.
This view has been challenged by a number of workers.
The news was confirmed by a telegram.
Three machines can be controlled by a single operator.
The light is refracted by the surface of the glass.
2.2. Pseudo-passive
Another passive form is “pseudo-passive”. It is considered as passive. Because the predicate of pseudo-passive is “be -ed”. It is impossible that pseudo-passive can be transformed into active voice. “Be” in pseudo-passives can be replaced by “become, feel, remain and seem”. The past participles can be modified by “very, quite, more and rather.” The participles in pseudo-passive don’t have the characteristics of verbal-participle. It just becomes an adjective.
For examples:
My uncle was (got or seemed) (very) tired.
The car was old and ruined.
The agentless passive sometimes is regarded as “subject copula predicative”.
2.3. Quasi-passive
2.3.1. Quasi-passive also call semi-passive. It is between true-passive and pseudo-passive. The –ed participles in quasi-passives can express the characteristics of verbal-participle and adjectival-participle. This structure can be transformed into active form. It also can be modified by “very, quite more and rather”. “Be” in quasi-passive can be replaced by “feel, seem, become and remain”.
For examples:
I was alarmed by the news.
→ The news alarmed me.
→ I was alarmed by and angry at the news.
→ I was very alarmed by the news.
→ I felt alarmed by the news.
She was irritated by these two children.
→ These two children irritated her.
→ She was irritated by and fond of these two children.
→ She was more irritated by this child than by that.
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→ She appeared irritated by these two children.
2.3.2. The quasi-agent in quasi-passive can be led by “about, at, over, to, in, with.”
For examples:
She was worried about her son.
→ Her son worried her.
Betty was surprised at the gifts.
→ The gifts surprised Betty.
He was overcome with horror.
→ Horror overcome him.
2.4. In English some transitive verbs are only used in passive voice, but aren’t used in active voice. Such as: dress, shave, located, situate, satisfy, determine, doom, etc.
For examples:
Our college is situated in the suburbs.
The house is located near the lake.
She was dressed in red.
He was freshly shaved.Ⅲ Active form expresses passive meaning
In English, the active form of some transitive verbs usually expresses active meaning. But its model is “V Doing”.
3.1. The following verbs, such as: want, need, require, deserve, etc doing express passive meaning.
For examples:
My room wants whitewashing.
He deserved punishing.
This problem requires discussing.
Our classroom needs cleaning.
