Page 137 - New Grammar with a Smile 8

6. for giving warnings, advice and suggestions. For example,
• The use of mobile phones should be avoided while driving.

7. when writing a notice. For example,
• All teachers are requested to attend the staff meeting to be held on 12 January
at 9 a.m.

8. for newspaper headlines are often written in the passive voice with the missing
helping verbs. Articles too are ignored. For example,

• Hollywood Actor Paul Walker Killed in Car Crash
(‘The’ Hollywood actor Paul Walker ‘was’ killed in ‘a’ car crash. Note the
articles ‘the’ and ‘a’ and the verb ‘was’ are missing in the headlines; but the
meaning is conveyed.)
• Strike Called off by Taxi Drivers
(The strike by taxi drivers was called off.)

9. when it is obvious to the listener or reader who the agent is. For example,
• She was instructed to go and wait at the parade ground at 6 a.m.
instead of

• The squadron leader instructed her to go and wait at the parade ground at 6 a.m.

10. when it is not important to know who the agent is. For example,
• Do you want a lift?
• No, I am being fetched.

11. when people in general are the agents. For example,

• All the Shakespeare production DVDs can be borrowed from the
Central Library.

D. Change the voice of the verb from passive to active in the following sentences.

1. The plants are watered every day by the gardener.
2. The Mona Lisa was painted by Leonardo da Vinci.

3. Raj was laughed at by all his friends.

4. The Taj Mahal was built by Shah Jahan.
5. The old man was knocked down by a car.

6. One’s character is revealed by one’s manners and actions.

7. The patient was attended to by the doctor.
8. The poor should be helped.

9. Many colourful pictures are found in comic books.
10. What cannot be cured must be endured.

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