The passive
|
| When we don't know who does/did something |
The car was stolen at approximately 1.30 am. |
| When it's obvious who does/did something |
Having been introduced in 1988, the Road Traffic Act regulates all vehicle use on UK roads. |
| When it's not important who does/did something |
The XL500 was designed with young families in mind, so there's plenty of room in the boot. |
| To emphasise new information (which appears at the end of the sentence) |
This type of submarine was developed during the Second World War by the Americans. |
| To avoid starting clauses with long expressions |
We were surprised by the number of people trying to leave the city for the long weekend.
(More natural than The number of people trying to leave the city for the long weekend surprised us.) |
| To produce a formal style |
All passengers are required to present their ticket to the inspector. |
