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Word order in passives

ROBINDESBOIS

March 18, 2014 06:06 PM

Word order in passives

I was given a pair of shoes by linda Blair in NYC yesterday or I was given a pair of shoes in NYC yesterday by LB whats the rule.

Rusty

March 18, 2014 06:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ROBINDESBOIS (Post 147852)

"I was given a pair of shoes by Linda Blair in NYC yesterday", or "I was given a pair of shoes in NYC yesterday by Linda Blair". What's the rule?

The position of the prepositional phrase is fine in either location, but the first sentence sounds less awkward. The location of a prepositional phrase isn't dependent on the voice being used. It could go in several places, just like it can in the active voice.

ROBINDESBOIS

March 18, 2014 06:17 PM

I thought the PPhrase introduced by by always took final position in the sentence.

Rusty

March 18, 2014 06:39 PM

That wasn't the prepositional phrase I was talking about. ;)

If the agent is provided in a passive sentence, it is usually preceded with 'by' and it follows the verb. No rule states that the agent has to end the sentence.

The party was hosted by my wife last night.
The party was hosted last night by my wife.

Both are correct and natural. I would tend to use the first sentence, however, because to me it flows better.

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