Active form and passive form of break

Question

Hello!I'm from myanmar.Let me ask a question.While a man was dancing,one backward kick caught the pot and the pot broke.In this situation,is it acceptable to write as ''One backward kick of the dancing man broke the pot.If this sentence is acceptable,can I write it in passive voice asThe pot was broken by one backward kick of a dancing man.''Please let me know the second sentence written in passive voice can expresss the meaning that the pot broke.Tnank u so much!

Philip · Accepted Answer

Both the active and the passive forms are okay.

CalifJim · Answer

Anonymousthe pot broke.

'break' is one of the ergative verbs of English. These verbs have an intransitive active form similar to a passive in meaning and form in addition to the active transitive form and the passive. So there are three possible configurations. The second and third below have the same general meaning.

The man broke the pot. (active, transitive)
The pot was broken (by the man). (passive)
The pot broke. (intransitive)

You cannot have a by-clause with this third form. The pot broke by the man is not correct.

Here are some other triplets using ergative verbs:

The chef is cooking the noodles.
The noodles are being cooked (by the chef).
The noodles are cooking.

The seamstress ripped the fabric apart.
The fabric was ripped apart (by the seamstress).
The fabric ripped.

The earthquake shook the whole building.
The whole building was shaken by the earthquake.
The whole building shook.

CJ

Active form and passive form of break

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