Unit 5. Lesson B Passive Voice

We use the passive when we want to focus on an action or the object of the action, rather than on the person who is doing the action.

- The Malacca River was cleaned up (object)

- A construction Company cleaned up the Malacca River (subject)

We often use the passive because we don’t know who or what did the action, or when it isn’t important to know. If we want to say who does or did the action (the agent), we use the passive verb + by agent.

- New facilities were built for the local residents. (not important)

- The lives of many people were improved by social entrepreneurs. (the agent)