Main questions when learning English - Sykalo Eugen 2023

How do I use the passive voice with reporting verbs in English?

Title: The Art of Passive Voice with Reporting Verbs in English: Unveiling the Subtleties of Expressive Narration

Abstract:
This scholarly article embarks on an enlightening journey through the intricate realm of the passive voice in conjunction with reporting verbs in the English language. By dissecting the nuances of syntax, semantics, and pragmatics, this study aims to provide learners with a comprehensive understanding of how to wield the passive voice with precision and artistry when reporting information. Through an exploration of various reporting verbs, syntactic transformations, and pragmatic considerations, readers will gain the tools necessary to navigate the subtleties of reported speech, enhancing their expressive narration skills. This article serves as a guiding beacon, illuminating the path towards mastery of the passive voice with reporting verbs in English.

1. Introduction:
The passive voice, a versatile grammatical construction, takes on a captivating role when coupled with reporting verbs. This scientific article delves into the intricacies of employing the passive voice with reporting verbs in the English language. By examining the interplay of grammar, meaning, and discourse, this study elucidates the art of transforming direct speech into reported speech using the passive voice. Through a comprehensive analysis of reporting verbs, syntactic structures, and pragmatic considerations, learners will acquire the skills necessary to craft nuanced and persuasive narratives. This exploration paves the way for learners to master the expressive potential of the passive voice with reporting verbs, empowering them to engage readers and convey information with finesse.

2. Understanding the Passive Voice with Reporting Verbs:
2.1 Definition and Purpose:
The passive voice involves the reordering of sentence structures to prioritize the object of an action over the subject, thus allowing for a change in perspective and emphasis. When coupled with reporting verbs, the passive voice facilitates the seamless integration of reported speech into written or spoken discourse. This enables the conveyance of information from a detached, third-person perspective, adding objectivity and credibility to the narration.

2.2 Syntactic Transformations:
To employ the passive voice with reporting verbs, learners must skillfully navigate syntactic transformations. The basic structure of reported speech involves shifting the verb tense and adjusting pronouns and adverbs to reflect the change in perspective. However, when utilizing the passive voice, additional transformations come into play. For example:

Direct Speech: “They broke the vase.”
Reported Speech (Active Voice): She said they had broken the vase.
Reported Speech (Passive Voice): She said the vase had been broken.

In the passive voice, the subject of the active sentence becomes the agent in the passive sentence, and the object becomes the subject. This transformation allows for a more seamless integration of reported speech into the narrative.

3. Reporting Verbs and the Passive Voice:
3.1 Selection of Reporting Verbs:
The choice of reporting verb plays a crucial role in shaping the tone and meaning of reported speech. Certain reporting verbs lend themselves naturally to the passive voice, while others require a more nuanced approach. Here are examples of reporting verbs commonly used with the passive voice:

- Claim: The findings were claimed by the researchers.
- Report: It was reported that the project had been completed.
- Suggest: It has been suggested that further research is needed.
- Announce: The news was announced by the spokesperson.

3.2 Pragmatic Considerations:
The use of the passive voice with reporting verbs also requires an understanding of pragmatic considerations, including formality, objectivity, and focus. The passive voice, with its emphasis on the action rather than the doer, lends an air of formality and objectivity to the reported speech. This can be beneficial in academic or professional writing, where a neutral and detached tone is often desired. Additionally, the passive voice allows for a shift in focus, drawing attention to the information being reported rather than the speaker or source.

4. Enhancing Expressive Narration:
4.1 Conveying Objectivity and Credibility:
The passive voice, when employed with reporting verbs, imparts a sense of objectivity and credibility to the reported information. By depersonalizing the action and emphasizing the result or effect, the passive voice fosters an authoritative tone, making it suitable for academic, scientific, and journalistic writing. For example:

Original Sentence: “The scientist made a groundbreaking discovery.”
Reported Speech (Active Voice): The journalist reported that the scientist made a groundbreaking discovery.
Reported Speech (Passive Voice): The journalist reported that a groundbreaking discovery had been made by the scientist.

In the passive voice, the focus is on the discovery itself, reinforcing its importance and elevating the credibility of the information.

4.2 Achieving Sentence Variety and Emphasis:
The passive voice with reporting verbs allows writers to achieve sentence variety and manipulate emphasis. By alternating between active and passive constructions, writers can create a dynamic rhythm and engage readers. Additionally, the passive voice can be used strategically to highlight certain information or downplay the role of the doer. This versatility adds depth and subtlety to narrative discourse, captivating the reader's attention.

5. Conclusion:
In conclusion, the mastery of the passive voice with reporting verbs is a cornerstone of expressive narration in the English language. This scientific article has delved into the intricate realm of employing the passive voice with reporting verbs, unraveling the syntactic, semantic, and pragmatic dimensions that govern its usage. By understanding the underlying principles and embracing the expressive potential of this grammatical construction, learners can elevate their narrative prowess, conveying reported information with precision, nuance, and impact. Through dedicated practice, exposure to diverse linguistic resources, and a keen awareness of context, learners will unlock the transformative power of the passive voice with reporting verbs, enriching their communication skills and engaging readers with captivating narratives.