语态的`隐含意义
Voice
语态的隐含意义
一般来说，人们写作时只是出于文体或上下文一致的原因，才使用被动语态。及物动词既可能是主动的，又可能是被动的。如果是主语发出的动作，谓语应用主语语态;反之，如果主语是动作施加的对象，谓语则应用被动语态。但事实上，人们更偏爱主动语态，因为它显得突出而直截了当。若谓语采用较弱的被动语态，行为者往往被隐去大名，或显得好像并不重要。然而，当不知道行为者是谁，或者作者想把重点放到动作承受方而不是动作方时，动作本身比采取动作的人更重要，这时就有必要用被动语态了。
Weak Passive: Hell need to be looked after.
Strong Active: Hell need looking after.
Weak Passive: Youre going to be covered favorably by the press.
Strong Active: Youre going to get fabulous press.
Weak Passive: Do you remember when Nelson Mandela of South Africa was freed?
Strong Active: Do you remember when Nelson Mandela of South Africa walked free?
Weak Passive: Rumors of a broader deal between DailmerChrysler and Nissan Motor Co. have been spread far and wide.
Strong Active: Rumors of a broader deal between DailmerChrysler and Nissan Motor Co. have gained currency.
