Passives with two objects
Many verbs can be followed by two objects - an indirect object and a direct object. The indirect object usually refers to a person and the direct object usually refers to a thing. Two structures are possible.
- She gave me (indirect object) a nice gift (direct object).
- She gave a nice gift (direct object) to me (indirect object).
Both these structures can be made passive.
- I was given a nice gift (by her). (Indirect object becomes subject.)
- A nice gift was given to me (by her). (Direct object becomes subject.)
Another example is given below.
- They lent me (indirect object) ten thousands pounds (direct object).
- They lent ten thousand pounds to me.
- I was lent ten thousand pounds. (passive)
- Ten thousand pounds were lent to me. (passive)
Common verbs that are followed by two objects include give, send, show, lend, pay, promise, refuse, tell and offer.
See also
Active and passive voice
Choice of passive structures
Passive verb forms
Verbs not used in the passive
Passives: agents
Passives: verbs with two objects
Passives: sentences with infinitive and clause objects
Passives: verbs with object and infinitive
Passives: object complements
More CBSE English Grammar worksheets
Passive voice worksheet | Simple past tensePassive voice worksheet | Past continuous tense
Passive voice worksheet | Simple future tense
Passive voice worksheet | Future perfect tense