In Grammar 12-1, you looked at how to use verbs in the infinitive and gerund (-ing) form. In this lesson, you’ll learn some of the ways you can use infinitives and gerunds in their passive forms.
Passive Infinitive Verb Patterns
The passive form of infinitive verbs can be used after main verbs as verb complements as well as after modal verbs, adjectives, and nouns. Passive infinitives are formed with be + past participle.
Verb Complements
You can use passive infinitives as the verb complement of certain main verbs to express a variety of meanings like necessity, preference, and expectation. These structures can be used with or without an object and they can be used with not to form negative sentences.
Necessity:
- The rice needs to be thoroughly washed before you start cooking it.
- The law requires all pets to be registered with the city.
- The children have to be told that they can’t play in this area while the construction work is being done.
Preference and Expectation:
- They want their new house to be painted before they move in.
- I prefer not to be told anything about a movie before I see it.
- Most people like to be treated with respect and fairness when they interact with the police.
- They are expecting the new art complex to be completed early next year.
- I’m hoping not to be chosen for the project because I don’t think I have enough time to participate.
- The director wishes to be notified if any changes are made to the film.
Modal Verbs
Passive infinitives can be used with modals to express a variety of functions, which change depending on the modal. One thing to note is that with most modals, the bare infinitive, or base form, is used, meaning that you do not use “to”. The passive bare infinitive can also be made negative by adding not not.
- Remember everyone that your homework should be handed inbefore the end of class on Friday.
- The event might not be held if they don’t sell some more tickets.
- In Korea, a hanbok can be worn on festive occasions and special anniversaries.
Adjectives
Passive infinitives are also used with certain adjectives like ready, likely, fit, etc. As with most passive structures, this form is used to express something impersonally, where the focus is on the receiver of the action rather than the do-er, or agent.
- The food is ready to be eaten. (focus on the food)
- The film is likely to be finished by 8 o’clock. (focus on the film)
The active infinitive is also possible in these types of sentences, and when it is used, it shifts the focus to the agent.
- The food is ready to eat. (focus on the eaters)
- The film is likely to finish by 8 o’clock. (focus on the watchers)
Nouns
Passive infinitives can also be used to modify nouns. Most often, this structure is used to express an idea of obligation in an impersonal way.
- There is a lot of work to be done on this newsletter if we want to get it out on time.
- I’m sorry, but the school board doesn't have money to be wasted on art programs right now.
- There are still a lot of decisions to be made before we buy a house.
As with adjectives, these sentences can also be used with active infinitives to put the focus on the agent.
- There is a lot of work to do on this newsletter if we want to get it out on time.
- I’m sorry, but the school board doesn't have money to waste on art programs right now.
- There are still a lot of decisions to make before we buy a house.
Passive Gerund Verb Patterns
Passive gerundshave many uses, but this lesson focuses on how they can be used as verb complements. Passive gerunds are formed with being + past participle.
Verb Complements
Just like passive infinitives, passive gerunds can be used as the complements of many verbs. Often, they are used to express preferences. Again, passive gerunds can be used with or without an object and can be used with not to form negative sentences.
- Many babies seem to enjoy being sung to. It calms them down.
- She appreciated not being included in the discussions.
- No artist likes their work being misunderstood.
Necessity
When active gerunds are used as complements of certain verbs like need and require, they have a passive meaning, even though they are active in form. Because this form is used to focus on the fact that action is needed rather than the person who needs to do it, it is not used with an object.
- This room looks old-fashioned; it needs redecorating.
- The files are all mixed up and require organizing.
- Your actions need explaining because I think many of us are confused.