Finding the Whole Verb Phrase
Note that we are way beyond anything taught in typical grammar textbooks. At this point in their work, you might want to push students to identify all of these as passive verbs, or, if you want to take the time, you can have them discuss which they think should be explained as predicate adjectives. I have made that distinction here, and given my reasons. Note that passive voice itself is the focus of KISS Level 5.7 - Passive Voice and Retained Complements. 1. The stately residence {of Monseigneur} was altogether blighted (PA) and deserted (PA). | The sentence describes the condition of the residence rather than the act that caused that condition.2. Others were compromised (PA) {by possessing the knowledge [#1]} [Adj. to "knowledge" that I possessed]. | The sentence describes the lasting condition of the others, rather than the act of compromising.3. [Adv. (time) to "saw" As the patient eyes were lifted (P) {to his face}], he saw a sudden doubt (DO) {in them}. | This is clearly passive voice because the focus is on the action, not the result.4. Her eyes were dilated (PA) and wild (PA). | Not only is the focus on the condition, but the participle "dilated" is joined to a clear adjective by the "and."5. Several doors were opened (P) {in succession}, | [#2] and finally his own * door was opened (P) *. | Here again the focus is on the action, so "were opened" is probably best explained as a passive verb.6. All faces are turned (PA) {towards the prison}. | Out of context, this could be taken as a passive, but it is more likely a description of the status of the faces.7. They are covered (PA) {with dust}. | The is a description of what is covered, and not a focus on how it they became so.8. The hay and straw were trampled (PA) {over the floor}, [Adv. (condition) to "trampled" as if there [#3] had been a struggle (PN) ]. | The past tense implies that the condition, not the action, is what is important.9. It used not to be so, | but France {in all such things} is changed (PA) {for the worse}. | The focus is clearly on the changed condition of France, and not on how or what changed it.10. It was a hot, wild night (PN), | and they were all three [#4] reminded (P) {of the old Sunday night} [Adj. to "night" when they had looked {at the lightning} {from the same place}]. | This one could go either way, but the context suggests that the hot, wild night is instrumental in the reminding, so although I would not count the predicate adjective option wrong, I personally see it as a passive verb. Notes 2. At this point in their work, expected students to be confused by the ellipsis in this second main clause. 3. For other options, see KISS Level 2.1.3 - Expletives (Optional). 4. "Three" functions as an appositive to "they." (See KISS Level 5.4 - Appositives.) |