7/28/2019 Syntax-Passive Transformations and Nominalization

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1 Passive Transformations and NominalizationPassive Transformations and Nominalization

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Consider the pairs of sentences in (1) through (3):Consider the pairs of sentences in (1) through (3):

(1) a. Kim took some great photos with that old camera.(1) a. Kim took some great photos with that old camera.

b.b. Some great photos were taken (by Kim) with that old camera.Some great photos were taken (by Kim) with that old camera.

(2) a. We stole that Ming vase yesterday.(2) a. We stole that Ming vase yesterday.

b.b. That Ming vase was stolen (by us) yesterday.That Ming vase was stolen (by us) yesterday.

(3) a. Three cups of tea have revived the nurse.(3) a. Three cups of tea have revived the nurse.

b.b. The nurse has been revived (by three cups of tea).The nurse has been revived (by three cups of tea).

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The passive in English can therefore be recognized by the followThe passive in English can therefore be recognized by the following signs:ing signs:

Subject of the active sentence > demoted to aSubject of the active sentence > demoted to a byby--phrase or deleted; removed fromphrase or deleted; removed from thethe

core.core. Object of the active sentence > promoted to subject of the passiObject of the active sentence > promoted to subject of the passive.ve.

Passive contains auxiliaryPassive contains auxiliarybebe+ past participle of the main verb.+ past participle of the main verb.

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How do we know for sure that the NPsHow do we know for sure that the NPs some great photossome great photos,, that Ming vasethat Ming vaseandand thethenursenursereallyreally

are the subjects of the passive sentences?are the subjects of the passive sentences?

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SubjectSubject--verb agreementverb agreementTest for subjecthoodTest for subjecthoodpronominal formspronominal forms

Applies to a transitive clause (the active clause) and forms anApplies to a transitive clause (the active clause) and forms an intransitive clause.intransitive clause.

Object promoted > subject.Object promoted > subject.

Former subject demoted > oblique argument, or is deleted; removeFormer subject demoted > oblique argument, or is deleted; removed from thed from the core.core.

Changes occur in the morphology of the verb to signalChanges occur in the morphology of the verb to signal passivizationpassivization..

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NominalizationNominalization

ItIt meansmeans making something into a nounmaking something into a noun;; process of turning a verb into a noun.process of turning a verb into a noun.

e.g.She plannede.g.She plannedto arriveto arriveat six oat six oclock.clock.

HerHerarrivalarrivalwas planned for six owas planned for six oclock.clock.

TheyTheykilledkilledthe terrorists after the attack.the terrorists after the attack.

KillingKillingof the terrorists happened after the attack.of the terrorists happened after the attack.

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In many cases nominalization is expressed in subordination (useIn many cases nominalization is expressed in subordination (use of gerund):of gerund):

He likesHe likesto fight for money.to fight for money.

He likesHe likesfighting for money.fighting for money.

7/28/2019 Syntax-Passive Transformations and Nominalization

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8 Basic Sentence PatternBasic Sentence Pattern

1. He was feeling disappointed at only obtaining average grades in the morphology exercises.

2. Student counselors know that money troubles can cause considerable stress.

3. Opposition politicians are pressing for election debates to receive better television coverage.4. Students often complain to their high school teachers that the state education system promotes

universal mediocrity.

5. Some scientists believe that climatic changes result from ozone depletion due to excessive carbon

dioxide emission.

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6.6. Many people wonder why doctors and medical people make so much fMany people wonder why doctors and medical people make so much fuss about water.uss about water.

7.7. While they were sitting in the corridor, a young man with extremWhile they were sitting in the corridor, a young man with extremely big eyeglasses approached slowly.ely big eyeglasses approached slowly.

8.8. When she mentioned that she was Jo's friend, he couldn't believeWhen she mentioned that she was Jo's friend, he couldn't believe his luck.his luck.

9.9. Vanessa tiptoed back to Zak's room, hitting her forehead on theVanessa tiptoed back to Zak's room, hitting her forehead on the giant plastic dinosaur hanging fromgiant plastic dinosaur hanging from

the door to scare robbers.the door to scare robbers.