7 86 Passiv voice Passive voice: Shifting the focus The passive voice is often used when people do not want to mention certain details. The first word of a sentence is always very important. Change the following sentences into the passive voice, but leave out unnecessary details. 1. Somebody opened the door and in came the president. The door was opened by somebody and in came the president. 2. Criminals set the castle on fire with petrol bombs. 3. In the course of the fire the flames completely destroyed three valuable paintings. 4. Unfortunately, the fire brigade could not save the furniture of the house because it was too dangerous. 5. Eventually the builders tore down the building because it could not be repaired. Passive voice: Modal verbs Change the following sentences into the passive voice and leave out unnecessary details. 1. Somebody must switch off the lights before the performance starts. The lights must be switched off before the performance starts. 2. They must arrest the criminals before it is too late. 3. The service personnel should wash the president’s car before the guest of honour arrives. 4. The readers can also return the books to the library on Sunday. 5. The organisers will have to change the text on the poster. 6. They could not close the front door because of strong winds. 7. Users have to remove the cover to change the battery. 3 4 Nur zu Prüfzwecken – Eigentum des Verlags öbv
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