A verb in the active voice often has both a direct and an indirect object:

My teacher paid me a compliment.

If, in changing such a sentence to the passive voice, the direct object becomes the subject, the indirect object is retained:

A compliment was paid me by my teacher.

If, however, the indirect object becomes the subject, the direct object is retained, and is sometimes called the retained object.

I was paid a compliment by my teacher.

The retained object, unlike the subjective complement, does not refer to the subject. See section 71.

EXERCISES

234. Explain why the verbs in the following sentences are active or passive (see sect. 84):

1. A passing wagon struck the child. (Active.)

2. The child was struck by a passing wagon. (Passive.)

3. He carved the box with a knife. (Active.)

4. This frame was carved by Edward. (Passive.)

235. In the following sentences (1) show whether the verbs are active or passive, and (2) change the voice of each verb. (Note that the object of the active verb usually becomes the subject of the passive.)

1. He began this work two years ago.

2. The patient has borne his suffering nobly.

3. Only two dollars was offered me for the picture.

4. My pen was broken by my baby brother.

5. Luncheons are brought to school by nearly two thirds of the boys.

6. The two burglars broke into many offices.

7. Of the two books I chose the "Idylls of the King."

8. He does his work well.

9. Patience works wonders.

10. My mother always gives me a good book on my birthday.

236. Use the following verbs in sentences of your own, writing one sentence to illustrate each voice:

237. Use the sentences in Exercise 235 to show that the object of the active verb may become the subject of the passive, and that the subject of the passive verb may become the object of the active.

238. In changing the verbs in the following sentences to the passive voice, retain in each instance the indirect object:

1. James granted them many favors.

2. The teacher told them the story.

3. The guide showed us Longfellow's study.

4. The chairman handed him a report of the meeting.

239. Point out the retained objects in the following sentences:

1. They were granted many favors by James.

2. The class was told the story by the teacher.

3. I was offered two dollars for my sled.

4. He has been lent a large sum of money by my father.

5. James was awarded the prize by the committee.

6. We were shown Longfellow's study by the guide.

7. He was handed a report of the meeting by the chairman.

8. He was given an opportunity to withdraw.

85. The Mood. The different manners ("modes ") of expressing the thought of the verb are called moods.

1. John works. (A fact, indicative mood.)

2. I wish John were working. (A wish, an unreality, not a fact, subjunctive mood.)

3. Work. (A command, - imperative mood.)

The indicative mood asserts a fact, or something assumed to be a fact, or asks questions of fact.

We saw him.

Doubtless he is here.

Does he study hard?

The subjunctive mood presents doubtful or conditional assertions, or unrealities.

If you were to ask him, he would grant the request.

If this charge be proved against him, he will suffer for it.

If he were here, we could see him. (Present condition contrary to fact.)

If he had not been here, I should have telephoned for him. (Past condition contrary to fact.)

The imperative mood expresses a command, an entreaty, or a wish.

Go! Let us try.

EXERCISES

240. Explain the value of the subjunctive mood in each of these sentences:

1. If there be any difference, the former are rather the more substantial.

2. Were he still a writer, and as brilliant a one as ever, he could no longer maintain anything like the same position in literature.

3. Were it only possible to find out who are alive and who dead, it would contribute infinitely to my peace of mind.

4. If he have strength of arm, well and good; it is one species of superiority.

241. In the following sentences, insert the correct form of the verb, tell what mood is used, and justify your choice:

1. If I (be) rich, I should know what to do.

2. If he (look) with care, he will find his cap.

3. You may tell him to come if he (have) the time.

4. I am not certain that he (give, present perfect) the matter much thought.

5. If you actually (tell) him, why did he not send a reply?
6. If the ball (give, passive) to the child, he will remain quiet.
7. I am sure that he (go) by the house a few moments ago.
8. Shut the door if you (feel) a draft.

9. You must remain quiet if you (wish) to hear the music. IO. Even (be) he to come now, he would be too late to catch the train.

86. Infinitives. In addition to the moods there are three special verb forms to consider: infinitives, participles, and gerunds. A finite verb is "limited"; an infinitive is "unlimited." In John walks the action is limited to John, and to the present time; in To walk is easy the action is not limited to any subject or to any time. From this example it is clear that an infinitive is a form of a verb which is used partly like a verb, partly like a noun. The to which usually precedes it is not an essential part of it, but is its sign.

He wishes to go. (With sign.)

I saw him go. (Without sign.)

The infinitive has two tenses, the present and the present perfect. The present tense shows that the action is incomplete at the time of the principal verb: as, "He wishes to eat"; "He wished to eat." The present perfect tense shows that the action was complete at the time of the principal verb; as, "It is a pleasure to have finished it."

The infinitive may be used as several parts of speech: 1. As a noun. It may be used in either (a) the nominative or (b) the objective case.

To help a friend is a pleasure. (Subject.)

To help a friend is to give ourselves pleasure. (Subject and subjective complement.)

The request to help a friend must not be lightly considered. (In apposition with a noun.)

It is a pleasure to help. (Subject, it being an expletive.)

She will do anything but wash dishes. (Object of the preposition.)

2. As a verb. It may be used in (a) either the active or the passive voice, if the verb is transitive; (b) either the present or the present perfect tense (see sect. 89).

It may take a subject (see p. 120), and may be followed

by a noun or pronoun, or by an adjective.

We believed the winner to be him. (See sect. 72.)

Did you know it to be me?

The butter appears to be sweet.

NOTE. These infinitive clauses have the same meaning as noun clauses introduced by that.

It may take an object, if the verb is transitive.

He was urged to give money.

3. As an adjective.

We have a boat to let. (Noun modifier.)

This old horse is to be shot. (Subjective complement.)

4. As an adverb.

We shall play to win. (Infinitive of purpose.)

We are ready to play ball. (Modifier of the adjective.)

5. Without grammatical connection with the rest of the sentence.

To tell the truth, he is no student.