Passive or Active (Infinitive construction)





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The task is to open the brackets:
I don't want these rumours (to spread) around.
As far as I can see, both "to spread" and "to be spread" are possible.
What sounds more natural to you?
Does "around" influence your choice of Active/Passive?



Grammar books say we tend to use Active constructions.
e.g. I have a lot of books to read.
Exceptions to this rule are said to be:
see (It remains to be seen)
and do (There was nothing to be done about it).









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    down vote

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    The task is to open the brackets:
    I don't want these rumours (to spread) around.
    As far as I can see, both "to spread" and "to be spread" are possible.
    What sounds more natural to you?
    Does "around" influence your choice of Active/Passive?



    Grammar books say we tend to use Active constructions.
    e.g. I have a lot of books to read.
    Exceptions to this rule are said to be:
    see (It remains to be seen)
    and do (There was nothing to be done about it).









    share







    New contributor




    Natalie is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
    Check out our Code of Conduct.






















      up vote
      0
      down vote

      favorite









      up vote
      0
      down vote

      favorite











      The task is to open the brackets:
      I don't want these rumours (to spread) around.
      As far as I can see, both "to spread" and "to be spread" are possible.
      What sounds more natural to you?
      Does "around" influence your choice of Active/Passive?



      Grammar books say we tend to use Active constructions.
      e.g. I have a lot of books to read.
      Exceptions to this rule are said to be:
      see (It remains to be seen)
      and do (There was nothing to be done about it).









      share







      New contributor




      Natalie is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
      Check out our Code of Conduct.











      The task is to open the brackets:
      I don't want these rumours (to spread) around.
      As far as I can see, both "to spread" and "to be spread" are possible.
      What sounds more natural to you?
      Does "around" influence your choice of Active/Passive?



      Grammar books say we tend to use Active constructions.
      e.g. I have a lot of books to read.
      Exceptions to this rule are said to be:
      see (It remains to be seen)
      and do (There was nothing to be done about it).







      grammar passive-voice infinitives





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      Natalie is a new contributor to this site. Take care in asking for clarification, commenting, and answering.
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