Passive Voice

Question

Hi~I would like to know what's the difference (in terms of the underlined parts) between sentences 1 & 2.1. Rob was devastated by the news of her death.2. Rob was devastated.Is sentence 1 a passive construction while sentence 2 a linking verb 'be' + past participle?

Goodman · Accepted Answer

AnonymousHi~

I would like to know what's the difference (in terms of the underlined parts) between sentences 1 & 2.

1. Rob was devastated by the news of her death.
2. Rob was devastated.

Is sentence 1 a passive construction while sentence 2 a linking verb 'be' + past participle?

Hi Anon,

1. Rob was devastated by the news of her death.
2. Rob was devastated.

To analyize sentences of this nature, we have to realize that in english there are certain verbs which by nature are often used passively. These verbs tend to have physical and emotional affects to the subject. The "be + past participle"structure traditionally is viewed as passive. i.e. Everyone in the office was saddened by her sudden passing. However, they can be interpreted as participle adjectives as well by some. Verbs like: excited, exhausted, exhilarated, stimulated, devestated, touched, humiliated etc. may be considered as adjectives depending on how one is taught.

# 1, this is apparently a passive sentence with "news of her death" being the agent and Rob was the recipient of the news.

# 2 is also passive in nature but lack the agent in the context and therefore if one chose to see "devestated" as an participle adjective, he is also correct.

Other common examples:

I am so excited that you can join us!

She was so embarrassed (by….)

The team was so disappointed (by the lose of the championship game)

Passive Voice

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