O ther Passive C onstructions (avoiding using the subject)
When we don't w ant to say it is
our opinion, w hich is a com m on technique in academic w ritin g ,
we often use the passive. Additionally, to avoid using
they or
people the passive can be used w ith
reporting verbs.
ACTIVE SENTENCE:
People say that film m a kin g is a lucrative industry.
PASSIVE SENTENCE:
F ilm m aking is said to be a lucrative industry.
Note: It is said that film m aking is a lucrative industry, is also possible.
See page 123 in the G ram m ar reference fo r more inform ation.
Practice Exercises
Change the fo llo w in g active sentences into passive sentences. Leave out the active
subject if possible.
1
To a certain extent, the e ntertainm ent industry is dictating popular culture.
2
People should avoid the new Broadway play
Star Memories.
3
In the USA, people have voted cinem a-going as the m ost popular weekend hobby.
4
People know that the e ntertainm ent industry is very com petitive.
5
People regard Hollywood as the m ost influ e n tia l town fo r film m akin g .
6 At the beginning of the 20th century, large film companies contractually restricted
fam ous actors and actresses.
7
In relation to the plot of the book, someone had changed the ending of the film .
8 Someone told us to sit in seats 4a and 4b.
2
Listen to the lectu re on the A u stra lia n Film In stitu te. C om plete the sentences
1-5
w ith no
m ore than thre e w ords a n d /o r a n u m be r fro m the recording.
1
The A ustralian Film In s titu te ________________ in 1958.
2 The AFI i s ________________ fo r its prestigious awards ceremony.
3 The awards have been ra is in g ________________ of the film Industry in A ustralia since
the 1960s.
4
In 1986,________________ included in the AFI awards.
5 T h e ________________ was held at M elbourne's Princess Theatre.
;
Gram m ar tip: When talking about the plot of a story or film , use the present tense.
