What are Passive Infinitives and Gerunds?
In English, infinitives (to do, to see) and gerunds (doing, seeing) can both have active and passive forms. While active forms focus on the subject performing the action, passive forms focus on the action being performed on the subject. Advanced usage involves understanding when and how to correctly employ these passive non-finite verb forms to express ideas more precisely and often more formally.
1. Passive Infinitives
The structure for a passive infinitive is to be + past participle (V3/ed).
a. After certain verbs
Passive infinitives are commonly used after verbs like want, expect, need, deserve, hope, agree, arrange, claim, demand, promise, refuse.
- The report needs to be finished by Friday. (Someone needs to finish the report.)
- She wants to be given more responsibility. (She wants someone to give her more responsibility.)
- He deserves to be praised for his efforts. (Someone should praise him.)
- The problem is expected to be resolved soon.
b. After adjectives
Passive infinitives can follow adjectives, especially those expressing feelings, opinions, or difficulty.
- I'm happy to be invited to the party. (I'm happy that someone invited me.)
- It's difficult to be understood when you speak too fast.
- She was glad to be offered the position.
c. With modal verbs
Modal verbs (e.g., can, could, may, might, must, should, would) are followed by the base form of the verb. For passive voice, this becomes modal + be + past participle. For passive infinitives, it's modal + have been + past participle (for perfect infinitives).
- The work should be completed by tomorrow. (Passive modal)
- The work should have been completed yesterday. (Passive perfect infinitive)
- He must be told the truth.
- This document might have been seen by many people.
2. Passive Gerunds
The structure for a passive gerund is being + past participle (V3/ed).
a. After prepositions
Passive gerunds are frequently used after prepositions (e.g., about, for, in, of, on, without, by).
- She complained about being ignored. (She complained that someone ignored her.)
- He was punished for being caught cheating. (He was punished because someone caught him cheating.)
- I'm tired of being told what to do.
- The success was achieved by being innovative.
b. After certain verbs
Some verbs are typically followed by a gerund. When the action of the gerund is passive, we use the passive gerund form. These verbs include avoid, deny, enjoy, imagine, involve, mind, risk, suggest, resent, recall, remember.
- He denied being involved in the crime. (He denied that someone involved him.)
- I don't mind being criticized if it's constructive.
- She resented being treated like a child.
- They avoid being seen together in public.
c. With need/want (meaning needs to be done)
When need or want is followed by a gerund, it often implies a passive meaning, especially when referring to things that require repair or attention.
- The car needs washing. (The car needs to be washed.)
- Your hair wants cutting. (Your hair needs to be cut.)
Common Errors and How to Fix Them
| ✗ Incorrect | ✓ Correct | Why |
|---|---|---|
| The house needs to paint. | The house needs to be painted. OR The house needs painting. | 'Need' followed by an infinitive requires passive form for the house to be the object of the action. 'Need' followed by a gerund implies passive. |
| He expects to promote soon. | He expects to be promoted soon. | He is the one who will receive the promotion, so the passive infinitive is needed. |
| She dislikes to criticize. | She dislikes being criticized. | 'Dislike' is followed by a gerund. If the action is done to her, it must be passive. |
| I'm looking forward to invite to the wedding. | I'm looking forward to being invited to the wedding. | 'Look forward to' is followed by a gerund. The action is done to 'I', so passive gerund. |
Summary
| Form | Structure | Usage | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passive Infinitive | to be + V3/ed | After certain verbs, adjectives, with modals | The letter needs to be sent. |
| Passive Gerund | being + V3/ed | After prepositions, certain verbs | He hates being told what to do. |
| Need/Want + Gerund | V-ing | Implies passive meaning for things needing attention | The garden needs weeding. |
💡 Key takeaway: Using passive infinitives and gerunds allows you to express actions where the subject is the receiver of the action, providing clarity and often a more formal tone. Pay close attention to the verbs and prepositions that precede them.