Explanation
A grammatical construction that backgrounds or omits the agent and promotes another participant. It changes the entry point into an event and redistributes attention and responsibility.
Example
The form becomes visible in context and can be followed as a movement of interpretation.
Counterexample
Passive voice is a perspectival construction, not simply a tense or a sign of weak style.
Distinction
Passive voice is a perspectival construction, not simply a tense or a sign of weak style.
Effect on thought and perception
It changes the entry point into an event and redistributes attention and responsibility.
Resonance
It changes the entry point into an event and redistributes attention and responsibility.
Cite this entry
Reich, Michael (Hrsg./ed.): „Passive voice“. Atlas der Sprache, AT-SYN-0002. ATLAS 251, data model 1.6.0. https://atlasoflanguage.com/concept/AT-SYN-0002The address remains stable; editorial content may evolve. A verified modification date per entry is not yet available. Include your access date for precise references.