Module 7: Aspects of Voice - Lesson 7.5: Passive Voice with 'By' Phrase - Specifying the Agent

Module 7: Aspects of Voice - Lesson 7.5: Passive Voice with 'By' Phrase - Specifying the Agent

Lesson 7.5: Passive Voice with 'By' Phrase - Specifying the Agent

Welcome to Lesson 7.5! In this lesson, we will focus specifically on using the 'by' phrase in passive voice sentences to specify the agent, which is the performer of the action. As we've learned, the 'by' phrase is optional in passive constructions. This lesson will clarify how to use it effectively, when it's necessary, and when it can be omitted or is less desirable.

What is the 'By' Phrase in Passive Voice?

The 'by' phrase in a passive sentence is used to reintroduce the agent – the person or thing that performs the action. It consists of the preposition "by" followed by the agent (which was the subject in the active voice sentence).

Structure with 'By' Phrase:

Subject + Be (in appropriate tense) + Past Participle + by + Agent

  • Subject: Receiver of the action (object in active voice).
  • Be + Past Participle: Passive verb form.
  • by + Agent: Specifies who or what performed the action (subject in active voice).

Purpose of the 'By' Phrase:

The primary purpose of using the 'by' phrase is to make it clear who or what carried out the action in a passive sentence. It brings back the actor into focus, though the sentence is still structured in the passive voice, emphasizing the receiver of the action as the subject.

When to Use the 'By' Phrase (When Specifying the Agent is Important):

As discussed in Lesson 7.3, there are specific situations where it's beneficial or necessary to include the 'by' phrase and specify the agent:

  1. When the Agent is Important or Relevant Information:

    If knowing who performed the action is crucial to understanding the sentence or the context, you should use the 'by' phrase. This is often the case when the agent provides key information, such as authorship, cause, or responsibility.

    Examples:

    • "Hamlet was written by Shakespeare." (The author, Shakespeare, is very important information about the play).
    • "The theory of relativity was developed by Albert Einstein." (The scientist who developed it is highly relevant to the theory).
    • "The email was sent by the manager." (Knowing it was the manager who sent it is important, perhaps for authority or responsibility).
    • "The cake was made by my grandmother." (The maker, grandmother, is important - adds personal touch, perhaps explains why it's delicious).
    • "The damage was caused by the earthquake." (The cause, earthquake, is the key information explaining the damage).
  2. To Avoid Ambiguity or Confusion:

    In some cases, omitting the agent could lead to ambiguity. Using a 'by' phrase can clarify who or what performed the action and prevent misunderstanding.

    Examples:

    • "The instructions were given by the supervisor." (Without 'by the supervisor', it's unclear who gave instructions - could be anyone. Specifying clarifies agent).
    • "The mistake was corrected by a colleague." (Without 'by a colleague', it's unclear who corrected it. Specifying agent provides clarity).
    • "The dog was rescued by a firefighter." (Without 'by a firefighter', it's unclear who rescued the dog. Specifying agent adds detail and context).
    • "The new law was passed by the parliament." (Without 'by the parliament', it's less clear which body enacted the law. Specifying agent clarifies the legislative body).
    • "The article was translated by a professional translator." (Without 'by a professional translator', quality of translation is less assured. Specifying agent implies expertise).
  3. When You Want to Emphasize the Agent (Less Common in Passive, but Possible):

    While passive voice generally de-emphasizes the agent, you might sometimes use a 'by' phrase to bring the agent back into focus, though the sentence structure remains passive. This can be for contrast or to add a detail about the actor.

    Examples:

    • "The city, surprisingly, was captured by a small group of rebels." (Agent 'small group of rebels' is emphasized as surprising or unexpected for such a big action).
    • "The project, despite its complexity, was completed on time by the team." (Agent 'the team' is emphasized for their achievement in difficult conditions).
    • "The problem was finally solved, by a student, not by the senior researchers." (Agent 'a student' is emphasized in contrast to 'senior researchers', highlighting unexpected solver).
    • "The award was presented by the Queen herself." (Agent 'the Queen herself' is emphasized to highlight the importance and formality of the presentation).
    • "The song was made famous by Elvis Presley." (Agent 'Elvis Presley' is emphasized as the reason for the song's fame).

When to Omit the 'By' Phrase (When Agent is Unknown, Unimportant, Obvious):

In contrast, you should omit the 'by' phrase when:

  • The agent is unknown (e.g., "My bike was stolen.").
  • The agent is unimportant or irrelevant (e.g., "Mistakes were made.").
  • The agent is obvious or easily implied from the context (e.g., "The criminals were arrested." - implied 'by police').
  • You want to emphasize the action or the receiver, not the agent (general purpose of passive voice).
  • In formal or scientific writing to maintain objectivity and focus on processes (e.g., "The samples were analyzed.").

Examples of Omitting 'By' Phrase (Review):

  • "The bank was robbed." (Agent - robbers - unknown/unimportant focus on event).
  • "The streets are cleaned every day." (Agent - cleaners - obvious/unimportant focus on routine action).
  • "The new bridge is being built." (Agent - construction workers/company - less important than the fact of construction itself).
  • "Regulations must be followed." (Agent - who should follow? - everyone/people in general - too general to specify, focus on the rule itself).
  • "The suspect has been released." (Agent - police/authorities - contextually implied, focus on suspect's status).

Using 'By' vs. Other Prepositions (e.g., 'with', 'in'):

It's important to note that the preposition 'by' is specifically used to introduce the agent (performer of the action) in passive voice. Do not confuse it with other prepositions like 'with' or 'in', which might describe instruments, materials, or locations related to the action, but not the agent itself.

Examples:

  • Agent ('by' phrase): "The door was opened by the wind." ('wind' is the agent causing the action).
  • Instrument ('with' phrase): "The door was opened with a key." ('key' is the instrument used, not the agent).
  • Location ('in' phrase): "The decision was made in the meeting." ('meeting' is the location where decision was made, not the agent).

Key takeaway: Use the 'by' phrase in passive voice when specifying the agent is important, relevant, or clarifies ambiguity. Omit it when the agent is unknown, unimportant, obvious, or when the focus is primarily on the action or receiver. Remember 'by' is specifically for the agent (performer), not instruments or locations. Next, we will explore Lesson 7.6: Active vs. Passive Voice - Choosing the Right Voice!