Non Passives
The following sentences indicate a common error among non-native speakers of English.
When using the simple past tense, only one verb is needed. The correct sentences are:
Sometimes students confuse the simple past tense with the passive. Notice the difference in the following sentences.
Tamara ate a sandwich at noon.
A sandwich was eaten by Tamara.
Tamara ate yesterday.
Yesterday was eaten by Tamara.
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Simple past tense
Passive past tense
Okay
Not Okay |
(Yesterday is not an object. Thus, the passive is not possible here.)
Some verbs in English are in-transitive. That is, they do not take objects. These verbs cannot be used in the passive voice.
Alexander wrote a letter.
A letter was written by Alexander.
The news surprised Karen.
Karen was surprised (by the news).
My dog died last week.
X My dog was died last week.
Monica swims every day.
Monica is swum every day. |
Transitive verb and object
Passive voice okay
Transitive verb and object
Passive voice okay
In-transitive verb (no object)
Incorrect! Passive not okay
In-transitive verb (no object)
Incorrect! Passive not okay |
*Some verbs can be either transitive or in-transitive depending on the situation.
Jim walked to school this morning.
Jim walked the dog this morning.
The dog was walked (by Jim).
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