Changes

The use of passive voice allows speakers to organize stretches of [[discourse]] by placing figures other than the [[agent]] in subject position. This may be used to foreground the patient, recipient, or other thematic role. Passive voice may also be useful when the semantic patient is the [[topic]] of on-going [[discussion]].

The use of passive voice allows speakers to organize stretches of [[discourse]] by placing figures other than the [[agent]] in subject position. This may be used to foreground the patient, recipient, or other thematic role. Passive voice may also be useful when the semantic patient is the [[topic]] of on-going [[discussion]].

<center>The wine is carried by the servant.<center>

<center>The wine is carried by the servant.</center>

<center>(Compare this sentence, which gives the same information in the active voice:<center>

<center>(Compare this sentence, which gives the same information in the active voice:</center>

<center>Servus vinum portat, The servant carries the wine.) </center>

<center>Servus vinum portat, The servant carries the wine.) </center>

[[Category: Linguistics]]

[[Category: Linguistics]]

[[Category: General Reference]]

[[Category: General Reference]]