Passive Voice with Double Objects

Some verbs in English can take two objects: a direct object (the thing given, shown, sent, etc.) and an indirect object (the person who receives the thing).

When we convert these sentences into the passive voice, either object can become the subject of the passive sentence. This gives us two possible passive structures.

1. Direct vs. Indirect Objects

Let’s identify the two objects in an active sentence:

  • Active: The company sent me (Indirect Object) a letter (Direct Object).

Common verbs that take double objects include:

  • give, send, show, lend, pay, offer, tell, teach, buy, write, bring

2. Structure 1: Indirect Object as Subject

The most common passive construction in English uses the person (indirect object) as the subject of the passive sentence.

Formula: Subject (Person) + to be + Verb 3 + Direct Object + (by + agent)

Using our example sentence:

  • Active: The company sent me a letter.
  • Passive: I was sent a letter by the company.

More Examples:

  • Active: She gave John a promotion.
  • Passive: John was given a promotion by her.
  • Active: They showed us the new prototype.
  • Passive: We were shown the new prototype.

3. Structure 2: Direct Object as Subject

We can also choose to make the thing (direct object) the subject of the passive sentence. When we do this, we must add a preposition (to or for) before the indirect object (the person).

Formula: Subject (Thing) + to be + Verb 3 + to/for + Person + (by + agent)

Using our example sentence:

  • Active: The company sent me a letter.
  • Passive: A letter was sent to me by the company.

More Examples:

  • Active: She gave John a promotion.
  • Passive: A promotion was given to John by her.
  • Active: They showed us the new prototype.
  • Passive: The new prototype was shown to us.
  • Active: My father bought me a camera.
  • Passive: A camera was bought for me by my father.

4. Double Object Passive Summary

Active SentencePassive 1 (Person as Subject)Passive 2 (Thing as Subject)
He lent me some money.I was lent some money.Some money was lent to me.
She teaches them math.They are taught math.Math is taught to them.
We offered him a job.He was offered a job.A job was offered to him.
They promised her a refund.She was promised a refund.A refund was promised to her.