passive voice

AnonymousWhy can not we make the below sentence passive voice ?

Because the sentence is not grammatical to begin with.

That is not correct English. It should read: The book contains many articles.

The passive version of that is: Many articles are contained in the book. The active version is far more natural.

what about this one
I have wife .

I have wife . active
wife is had . Passive
is it ok to say so if not why (grammatically ) ?

I have a wife. - There is no space before the full stop.

I suggest that you try to write correct sentences in the active voice before worrying about passive constructions.

I have a wife.

This does not transfer to the passive voice. Stative verbs (like be, know, have) and intransitive verbs (like sleep) are not used in the passive voice.

AlpheccaStarsStative verbs (like be, know, have) are not used in the passive voice.

Some can be in some contexts: He is known to be in Ireland.

fivejedjonSome can be in some contexts: He is known to be in Ireland.

Many verbs that are usually stative have their dynamic meanings, in which case the passive is fine.

A good time was had by all.

Would you say that 'know' was used dynamically in People know that the earth is round / The earth is known to be round?

I have a wife.

The passive form has a different meaning. Be careful of using it in polite company. It refers to being taken advantage of, cheated or ravished.

(edited to correct typo -- "or" for "of.")