AGENTLESS PASSIVE

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AGENTLESS PASSIVE. A common type of PASSIVE construction in English, in which the role of the AGENT is not represented, as in Michael was mugged on his way home. Here, such a by-phrase as by some louts, the agents of the mugging, has been omitted. The agentless passive is common in formal reports: Although insufficient funds had been allocated, the decision was taken to continue for another six months in the hope that more money would be made available. See VOICE.