Verbs That Can't Passivize
Verbs are an essential part of any language and are used to describe an action, state, or occurrence. While many verbs can be put into the passive voice, there are some verbs that cannot be passivized. These verbs are known as "intransitive verbs" and do not have a direct object.
One example of an intransitive verb is the verb "to arrive." This verb describes the action of someone or something arriving at a place, but it does not have a direct object. Therefore, it cannot be put into the passive voice. For example, "The bus arrived at the station" is correct, but "The station was arrived at by the bus" is not correct.
Another example of an intransitive verb is the verb "to sleep." This verb describes the action of someone or something sleeping, but it does not have a direct object. Therefore, it cannot be put into the passive voice. For example, "The baby is sleeping" is correct, but "The baby is being slept by" is not correct.
There are many other intransitive verbs that cannot be passivized, such as "to laugh," "to cry," "to sneeze," "to hiccup," "to sigh," and "to yawn." These verbs describe actions that are performed by the subject of the sentence, but they do not have a direct object and cannot be put into the passive voice.
It is important to remember that not all verbs can be put into the passive voice, and it is important to use the active voice whenever possible to make your writing more clear and concise.
Not all verbs can be made passive - check in a good dictionary.
Extra Examples:
- A high wall encloses the garden. 👉👉👉 The garden is enclosed by a high wall.✔️✔️✔️
- Our advisers recommend further investment. 👉👉👉 Further investment is recommended.✔️✔️✔️
BUT NOT:
- Jake resembles Peter. 👉👉👉
Peter is resembled by Jake.❌ - That jacket doesn't fit you. 👉👉👉
You are not fitted by that jacket.❌ - The government lacks confidence.👉👉👉
Confidence is lacked by the government.❌