被动语态是一种语法手段，使句子里谓语动词后面的宾语，变成主语，成为动作的执行者。因此，当我们要把动作的承受者变成动作的主宰时，便要用被动语态(the passive voice)。

麻烦的是，不是所有的主动语态(the active voice)都可以转变为被动语态，因为有些及物动词(the transitive verb)是不适合以被动形式出现的。

下列句子可以证明：

① I have a Japanese car.

② The auditorium holds 3000 people.

③ This coat does not fit you.

④ Jane resembles her mother.

⑤ Tom jumped the queue.

⑥ I wish you would mind your business.

⑦ Such an idea has just crossed my mind.

此外，有些及物动词虽以主动语态出现，却具有被动含义，故不宜再转变为被动语态。其实，也不能变，因为这些动词后面没有宾语。例如：

⑧ This new knife cuts well.

⑨ Nylon shirts wash easily.

⑩ Jason's books sell quickly.

11. This type of ball pens writes in two colours.

12. The note reads as follows : "……"