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Anonymous Posted 18 years ago
Grammar

get started, why the passive form?

Hi,

Be done with someone/something

Get finished with someone/something

Get started

I'm wondering why the verbs in those sentences are the passive form. I mean, the doer of the act does, finishes, starts something, not be done or finished or started.

I would very much appreciate any help!
  

Top answer

There is no special reason. All kinds of phrases and expressions abound in English as the language has developed unhindered for centuries. The past participle is often adjectival in nature and native speakers don't all necessarily even perceive of some of those structures as passive.

— Cool Breeze

  • There is no special reason.
  • All kinds of phrases and expressions abound in English as the language has developed unhindered for centuries.
  • The past participle is often adjectival in nature and native speakers don't all necessarily even perceive of some of those structures as passive.
  • There are expressions where both active and passive can be used without a change in meaning: He [was] drowned in the river last night.
  • If a crime was committed, you would have to say: He was drowned in the river last night.
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1 Answers
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There is no special reason. All kinds of phrases and expressions abound in English as the language has developed unhindered for centuries. The past participle is often adjectival in nature and native speakers don't all necessarily even perceive of some of those structures as passive. There are expressions where both active and passive can be used without a change in meaning: He [was] drowned i
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