Passive with Verbs Taking Two Objects

Some verbs take two objects: a direct object (the thing) and an indirect object (the person). Examples include give, send, offer, show, teach, tell, pay, lend, and award. In the passive, either object can become the subject of the passive sentence. This gives two possible passive forms, both of which are correct.

• • Ditransitive verbs: give, send, offer, show, teach, tell, pay, lend, award, owe, promise, bring, throw.
• • Pattern 1: indirect object → subject (most common in informal English): "She was given a prize."
• • Pattern 2: direct object → subject (requires "to" or "for" before the indirect object): "A prize was given to her."
• • Pattern 1 (indirect as subject) is usually more natural in everyday English.
• • Use "for" with: buy, make, cook, find, get, fetch. Use "to" with most others.

1. 1

   Indirect object as passive subject (more natural)

   I was sent a warning email.

2. 2

   Direct object as passive subject

   A warning email was sent to me.

3. 3

   Verbs using "to"

   The prize was awarded to the winner.

4. 4

   Verbs using "for"

   A cake was made for her.

5. 5

   Formal contexts often prefer direct object as subject

   The report was shown to all members.

• Ditransitive verbs have two objects: direct (thing) and indirect (person).
• Either object can become the passive subject.
• Indirect object as subject: "She was given a prize." (no preposition needed)
• Direct object as subject: "A prize was given to her." (add "to" or "for")
• Indirect-as-subject is more common in everyday English.
• Key verbs: give, send, offer, show, teach, tell, pay, lend, award.

Two students talk about their graduation ceremony.