The Passive: Non-finite constructions

Non-finite passive constructions may be used to post-modify a noun or as the complement of a verb. Long and short passives are used in both these cases.

Noun postmodifier (short passive)

This agentless passive post-modifies a noun or noun phrase.

• apple tree saplings planted today      (context)
• The molecular processes involved      (context)

Noun postmodifier (long passive)

This passive post-modifies a noun or noun phrase and is accompanied by a by-phrase.

• a powerful energy source created by nature      (context)
• a common ancestor shared by Triceratops and modern birds      (context)

Infinitive complement of a verb (short passive)

This agentless passive is the infinitive (to) complement of a verb.

• begins to be experienced      (context)
• need to be looked after      (context)

ed-clause complement of a verb (short passive)

This agentless passive is the ed-clause complement of a verb.

• don’t want red dye added      (context)
• getverb phrase them diagnosed and treated,      (context)

Infinitive complement of a verb (long passive)

This long passive is the infinitive (to) complement of a verb.

• known to have been used by both Neanderthals and Homo sapiens      (context)
• are known to have been used by different civilisations      (context)
• believed to have been caused by a flu-like infection called brucellosis.      (context)

ed-clause complement of a verb (long passive)

This long passive is the ed-clause complement of a verb.

• to have chronic and recurrent headaches diagnosed properly by a doctor     (context)
• to have it recognized by their institutions     (context)

You can also test your understanding of passives, including non-finite constructions, on the passives exercise page.