Overview
Verbs with two objects (give, send, offer, show, teach, tell) can form two different passives. Active: The manager gave her a bonus. Passive 1 (indirect object as subject): She was given a bonus. Passive 2 (direct object as subject): A bonus was given to her. The first option is more common in informal English.
Two-Object Passives
- activeThe manager gave her a bonus.
- passive 1She was given a bonus. (indirect obj. → subject)
- passive 2A bonus was given to her. (direct obj. → subject)
- preferredPassive 1 is more common in informal English.
- verbsgive, send, offer, show, tell, teach, award, lend, pay
More Examples
- sendShe was sent a letter. / A letter was sent to her.
- offerHe was offered the job. / The job was offered to him.
- showWe were shown the results. / The results were shown to us.
- tellI was told the truth. / The truth was told to me.
- teachThey were taught grammar. / Grammar was taught to them.
Common Errors
- ❌ A bonus was given her → ✅ A bonus was given to her.
- ❌ She was given to a bonus → ✅ She was given a bonus.
- Pattern 2 needs 'to' before the indirect object.
When to use
Awards & Gifts
She was awarded first prize.
Communication
All employees were sent the new guidelines.
Teaching Contexts
Students were taught the rules of grammar.
Business English
He was offered a promotion last week.