Passive Voice

 The passive voice is used to emphasize the action rather than the doer (subject). Instead of focusing on who performs the action, the passive voice highlights what happens to the object. It is commonly used in formal writing, scientific reports, and when the doer is unknown or unimportant.

Uses of the Passive Voice

1. When the doer (agent) is unknown or unimportant

   • "A valuable painting was stolen last night." (We don’t know who stole it.)
   • "The bridge was repaired last week." (It doesn’t matter who repaired it.)

2. When the focus is on the action or result rather than the person doing it

   • "A new law has been passed." (The focus is on the law, not who passed it.)
   • "The homework must be submitted by Friday." (The deadline is more important than the person submitting it.)

3. In scientific, academic, or technical writing

   • "The experiment was conducted in a controlled environment."
   • "The results were analyzed carefully."

4. To sound more objective and formal

   • "Mistakes were made." (Avoids blaming someone directly.)
   • "A decision has been taken." (Sounds more formal than "We have taken a decision.")

5. In news reports and announcements

• "A new hospital will be built in the city."
• "The suspect has been arrested."

Test how much you know about the passive voice with this quiz:

https://forms.gle/1HhgfGkvAvHA7ZzK8

The causative

 

What is the Causative Form Used For?

The causative form is used to describe situations where one person causes another person to do something or arranges for something to be done. It emphasizes that someone is not performing the action themselves but is instead making it happen through someone else.

Causative structures are commonly used in formal speech, business contexts, and everyday situations when discussing services, responsibilities, or authority.

Types of Causative Forms & Examples

1. "Have"  – Requesting a Service

✅ Used when someone arranges for someone else to do something (neutral tone).

• Structure (Active): Subject + have + object + base verb (bare infinitive)
• Structure (Passive): Subject + have + object + past participle

🔹 Active: I had the plumber fix the leak.
🔹 Passive: I had the leak fixed.

🔹 Active: She had the doctor check her eyesight.
🔹 Passive: She had her eyesight checked.

2. "Get"  – More Informal, Sometimes Persuasive

✅ Used like "have," but slightly less formal and often implies persuasion or effort.

• Structure (Active): Subject + get + object + to + base verb
• Structure (Passive): Subject + get + object + past participle

🔹 Active: I got my brother to help me with my homework.
🔹 Passive: I got my homework done.

🔹 Active: She got the technician to repair her phone.
🔹 Passive: She got her phone repaired.

3. "Make" – Forcing Someone to Do Something

✅ Used when forcing or strongly encouraging someone to do something.

• Structure (Active): Subject + make + object + base verb (bare infinitive)
• Structure (Passive): Subject + be made + to + base verb

🔹 Active: The teacher made the students rewrite the essay.
🔹 Passive: The students were made to rewrite the essay.

🔹 Active: His boss made him stay late.
🔹 Passive: He was made to stay late.

4. "Let" – Giving Permission

✅ Used when allowing someone to do something.

• Structure (Active): Subject + let + object + base verb (bare infinitive)

🔹 Active: Her parents let her go to the party.
🔹 Rephrased Passive (Using "Allow" instead of "Let"): She was allowed to go to the party.

🔹 Active: They let us leave early.
🔹 Rephrased Passive: We were allowed to leave early.

5. Other Causative Verbs 

Test how much you know about the causative form with this quiz:
https://forms.gle/Vhd87UnwpxoWMfvU6

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Para poder superar con éxito la selectividad debes tener en cuenta que  debes empezar cuanto antes a organizarte y gestionar tu tiempo. Es fundamental que planifiques con anticipación tus sesiones de estudio y crees un calendario de estudio temporalizado. Crea un espacio de estudio tranquilo y cómodo que te ayudará a concentrarte mejor y a estudiar de manera más efectiva. Ten tus anotaciones, resúmenes y esquemas a mano, actualizados y completos. Dedica tiempo a descansar y desconectar. Cuida de tu salud, horas de sueño y dedícale tiempo a tu familia, amistades y hobbies. Y por supuesto, no pierdas de vista los plazos ni las notas de corte de años anteriores.