Passive with Two Objects

Sometimes a verb has one object.

• I cleaned the kitchen (the object is 'the kitchen').

We've already studied how to make the passive in this case.

• The kitchen was cleaned (by me).

But sometimes verbs have two objects. In this case, a thing is usually the direct object and the person

who receives the thing is usually the indirect object.

• I gave John the book (the direct object is 'the' book' and the indirect object is 'John').

In this case, we can make two passive sentences.

• John was give the book (by me).

• The book was given to John (by me).

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Today, let's practise putting the indirect object at the beginning of the sentence. Make the passive and

put the indirect object (usually a person) at the front of the sentence.

1. She taught the children French.

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2. We gave the little girl a doll.

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3. The students brought the teachers cake.

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4. He told me a story.

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5. The teacher lent James a pencil.

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6. The boss showed us the report.

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7. I sent Amanda the email.

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8. The company offered him the job.

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9. The children asked Lucy lots of questions.

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10. We showed them the new house.

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Answers

1. The children were taught French (by her).

2. The little girl was given a doll (by us).

3. The teachers were brought cake (by the students).

4. I was told a story (by him).

5. James was lent a pencil (by the teacher).

6. We were shown the report (by the boss).

7. Amanda was sent the email (by me).

8. He was offered the job (by the company).

9. Lucy was asked lots of questions (by the children).

10. They were shown the new house (by us).

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May be freely copied for personal or classroom use