This is the first book-length history of the English passive voice. It deals with clear identification of passive-related constructions. It provides comprehensive analysis of the grammatical voice system. It presents radical review of origins of the be- and get-passive.In this coherent historical development of the passive voice in English, the main argument deals not only with the passive per se, but also with its related constructions, which can play vital parts in identifying both functional and structural motivations for creating the passive.

In this coherent historical development of the passive voice in English, the main argument deals not only with the passive per se, but also with its related constructions, which can play vital parts in identifying both functional and structural motivations for creating the passive.