Explain the usage of the infinitive tense in passive voice.

Tenses Questions Medium



80 Short 59 Medium 53 Long Answer Questions Question Index

Explain the usage of the infinitive tense in passive voice.

The infinitive tense in passive voice is used to express actions or states that are performed on the subject of the sentence. It is formed by using the infinitive form of the verb "to be" followed by the past participle of the main verb.

The passive infinitive tense is commonly used in situations where the focus is on the action or the receiver of the action, rather than the doer. It is often used when the doer of the action is unknown, unimportant, or when it is more polite to avoid mentioning the doer.

For example:
- The car needs to be repaired. (The focus is on the action of repairing the car, rather than who will do it.)
- The report has to be submitted by tomorrow. (The focus is on the action of submitting the report, rather than who will submit it.)
- The cake was supposed to be baked by John. (The focus is on the action of baking the cake, rather than who was supposed to do it.)

In these examples, the infinitive tense in passive voice helps to emphasize the action or the receiver of the action, rather than the doer. It is important to note that the subject of the sentence in the passive infinitive tense is the receiver of the action, not the doer.