Using 'There' In Passive Voice: A Comprehensive Guide

Oct 12, 2025 by ADMIN 54 views

Hey guys! Ever stumbled upon sentences where "there" seems to be hanging out at the beginning in a passive voice construction and thought, "Hmm, that's a bit odd"? Well, you're not alone! This is a classic grammar point that can be a little tricky, but don't worry, we're going to break it down in a way that's super easy to understand. We'll explore how and why we use "there" as a preparatory subject in passive voice sentences, giving you the confidence to use it correctly and impress your friends with your grammar skills. So, let's dive in and unravel this linguistic puzzle together!

Understanding Preparatory 'There' in Passive Voice

Let's get started by tackling the preparatory 'there' in passive voice. This grammatical structure might sound a bit formal, but it's actually quite common in both spoken and written English. The key thing to understand here is that "there" isn't acting as an adverb of place (as in "The book is over there"). Instead, it's a dummy subject, also known as a preparatory subject. This simply means it fills the subject position in the sentence without having a real meaning of its own. Its purpose is to allow us to shift the actual subject of the sentence to a later position, often to improve sentence flow or emphasis. Think of it as a placeholder that makes the sentence sound more natural and less clunky. This construction is particularly common with verbs that express opinions, beliefs, or reports, such as "say," "think," "believe," "report," "understand," and "presume."

When we use these verbs in the passive voice, we often introduce "there" to start the sentence, followed by a form of "to be" and the past participle of the verb. The actual subject then follows, often introduced by "to be." This structure helps us avoid starting the sentence with a potentially long or complex subject, making the sentence easier to read and understand. For example, instead of saying "That the project will be completed on time is believed," which sounds a bit awkward, we can say "There is believed to be a good chance that the project will be completed on time." See how much smoother that sounds? The preparatory 'there' allows us to shift the focus and create a more elegant sentence structure. Also, the flexibility that preparatory 'there' provides in constructing sentences cannot be overstated. It is an important tool in ensuring clarity and flow in writing. Mastering its use contributes significantly to effective communication, especially in academic and professional contexts where precision and readability are paramount.

Common Verbs Used with 'There' in Passive Constructions

Okay, let's zoom in on some common verbs that love hanging out with "there" in passive voice constructions. As mentioned earlier, we often see this pattern with verbs expressing opinions, beliefs, or reports. These verbs act as bridges, connecting the preparatory 'there' to the actual information or statement we want to convey. Think of them as linguistic signposts guiding the reader through the sentence. Some of the most frequent verbs you'll encounter in this context include:

Say: This is a classic example. We often hear or read sentences like, "There is said to be a hidden treasure on the island." The verb "say" here indicates a report or rumor.
Think: When we want to express a common belief or opinion, "think" comes in handy. For example, "There is thought to be a connection between the two events." This suggests a prevailing opinion or hypothesis.
Believe: Similar to "think," "believe" indicates a conviction or faith. You might hear, "There is believed to be life on other planets." This conveys a strong held belief, even if unproven.
Report: This verb is frequently used in formal contexts to convey information that has been officially documented or announced. For instance, "There has been reported to be an increase in sales this quarter." This suggests a factual account of events.
Understand: This verb implies a general comprehension or awareness. A sentence like, "There is understood to be some risk involved," suggests a shared understanding of the situation.
Presume: This verb suggests an assumption based on evidence or probability. For example, "There is presumed to be a mistake in the calculations." This conveys a calculated assumption rather than a definitive statement.

Understanding these verbs and how they interact with preparatory 'there' in passive constructions is crucial for both comprehending complex sentences and constructing your own. By recognizing these patterns, you can navigate nuanced expressions and communicate your ideas with greater clarity and precision. So, keep an eye out for these verbs and how they play their role in the world of passive voice!

Examples of 'There' in Passive Voice

Alright, let's make sure this preparatory 'there' thing is crystal clear with some examples! Seeing how it works in real sentences is the best way to solidify your understanding. We'll look at a few scenarios where "there" steps in as our dummy subject, paving the way for smoother and more elegant passive voice constructions. These examples will showcase the versatility of this grammatical tool and how it can enhance your writing and speaking.

"There is said to be a ghost in the old mansion."
- In this sentence, "there" fills the subject position, while the actual subject, "a ghost," appears later in the sentence. The verb "said" indicates a rumor or story being circulated. Without "there," the sentence might awkwardly read, "A ghost is said to be in the old mansion."
"There are believed to be several errors in the report."
- Here, "there" helps us introduce the idea that there's a belief about errors in the report. The verb "believe" suggests a commonly held opinion. Without "there," we'd have something like, "Several errors are believed to be in the report," which isn't quite as smooth.
"There has been reported to be a significant increase in unemployment."
- This example demonstrates how "there" works in formal contexts, often in news reports or official statements. The verb "report" signals factual information being conveyed. A less elegant alternative would be, "A significant increase in unemployment has been reported."
"There was understood to be a prior agreement between the parties."
- This sentence illustrates a shared understanding or assumption. The verb "understand" implies a mutual awareness. Without "there," it might sound like, "A prior agreement was understood to be between the parties," which is a bit clunky.
"There is presumed to be a logical explanation for the phenomenon."
- In this case, "there" introduces a presumed or likely explanation. The verb "presume" indicates an assumption based on available information. A less fluid version could be, "A logical explanation is presumed to be for the phenomenon."

These examples highlight how preparatory 'there' not only improves sentence flow but also helps emphasize the information that follows. It's a subtle but powerful tool for crafting clear and effective communication. So, keep these examples in mind as you encounter and use passive voice constructions with "there" – you'll be a pro in no time!

Why Use 'There' in Passive Voice?

Now that we've explored what preparatory 'there' is and how it works in passive voice constructions, let's dig into the "why." Why do we even bother using this grammatical structure? What's the benefit of having "there" step in as a dummy subject? Well, there are a few key reasons, and understanding them will help you appreciate the elegance and functionality of this linguistic tool. It's not just about sounding fancy; it's about making your sentences clearer, more impactful, and more reader-friendly.

One of the main reasons is to improve sentence flow and readability. Imagine starting every sentence with a long, complex subject – it can quickly become tiring for the reader. By using "there" as a placeholder, we can delay the actual subject, allowing the reader to process the information more easily. This is especially helpful when the subject is a clause or a lengthy noun phrase. Think of it as a gentle ramp into the main idea of the sentence, rather than a sudden, jarring leap.

Another crucial reason is to emphasize the information that follows. When we start a sentence with "there," we're essentially signaling to the reader that the real point of the sentence is coming up next. This can be a powerful way to draw attention to specific details or ideas. For instance, saying "There is believed to be a conspiracy" puts more emphasis on the existence of the conspiracy than saying "A conspiracy is believed to exist." The preparatory 'there' acts like a spotlight, illuminating the core message.

Furthermore, using "there" in passive voice constructions can help us avoid awkward or clunky sentence structures. Sometimes, without "there," the sentence might sound unnatural or grammatically strained. "There" provides a smoother, more idiomatic way to express the same idea. It's like a linguistic lubricant, making the sentence glide effortlessly off the tongue (or the page!).

In short, the use of preparatory 'there' in passive voice isn't just a stylistic choice; it's a functional tool that enhances clarity, emphasizes key information, and improves overall sentence flow. By understanding these benefits, you can make conscious decisions about when and how to use this construction to your advantage, elevating your communication skills to the next level. So, embrace the power of "there" – it's your friend in the world of grammar!

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Okay, guys, now that we've explored the wonders of preparatory 'there' in passive voice, let's talk about some common pitfalls. Even though this grammatical structure is super useful, it's also easy to make a few slip-ups if you're not careful. We want to make sure you're not just using "there" correctly, but also avoiding any potential errors that might trip you up. Think of this as your "watch out!" guide to navigating the world of dummy subjects.

One frequent mistake is incorrect verb agreement. Remember, the verb that follows "there" needs to agree with the noun that comes after the verb, not with "there" itself. This is where things can get a little tricky. For example, it's correct to say "There is a book on the table" (singular) and "There are books on the table" (plural). Many people mistakenly think that because "there" is singular, the verb should always be singular, but that's not the case. Pay close attention to the noun following the verb to ensure proper agreement.

Another common error is overusing "there." While "there" can be a great tool for improving sentence flow, it's possible to become too reliant on it. Overusing "there" can make your writing sound repetitive and less engaging. Variety is the spice of life, and the same goes for sentence structure! Try to mix things up by sometimes using active voice or rephrasing sentences to avoid the "there + be" construction altogether. This will keep your writing fresh and dynamic.

Finally, watch out for unnecessary passive voice. The passive voice has its place, especially when you want to emphasize the action rather than the actor. However, overuse of the passive voice can make your writing sound weak and indirect. Before using a passive construction with "there," ask yourself if the active voice might be a better choice. Sometimes, a simple active sentence is more direct and impactful. For instance, instead of saying "There is said to be a problem," you could say "People say there is a problem." This is more concise and direct.

By being mindful of these common mistakes, you can confidently wield the power of preparatory 'there' in passive voice without stumbling. Remember, grammar is a tool for clear communication, so aim for accuracy, variety, and directness in your writing and speaking.

Conclusion

So, there you have it, guys! We've taken a deep dive into the fascinating world of preparatory 'there' in passive voice. We've explored what it is, how it works, why we use it, and even some common mistakes to avoid. Hopefully, you now feel much more confident in your ability to navigate this grammatical concept. Remember, "there" as a dummy subject is a valuable tool in your linguistic arsenal. It's not just about filling a subject slot; it's about crafting clearer, more elegant, and more impactful sentences.

By using "there" strategically, you can improve sentence flow, emphasize key information, and avoid awkward constructions. It's a subtle but powerful way to elevate your writing and speaking skills. Just remember to pay attention to verb agreement, avoid overuse, and be mindful of when the active voice might be a better choice. With a little practice, you'll be wielding the power of preparatory 'there' like a pro!

Keep an eye out for examples of "there" in passive voice constructions as you read and listen to English. The more you observe it in action, the more natural it will become for you. And don't be afraid to experiment with it in your own writing and speaking. Grammar is a skill that grows with practice, so the more you use it, the better you'll get. Now, go forth and conquer the world of passive voice with your newfound knowledge of preparatory 'there'! You've got this!