Transformation of Imperative sentences into Passive voice
Imperative sentences are used to give orders, request, or advice. In such sentences subject ‘you’ is hidden.
All the imperative sentences start either with the main verb, or the word ‘you’. For example:
Show it. (show - main verb; it - object)
It basically means - You show it.
There are three categories of imperative sentences from active-passive perspective:
Imperative sentences with object
Imperative sentences without object
Imperative sentences giving moral suggestion
Imperative sentences with object
We can make passive of such sentences in a few different ways.
Positive orders
In case of positive orders.
Active Voice: Verb + Object
Switch off the lights.
Method I: Let + passive subject + be + $V_3$
Passive Voice I: Let the lights be switched off.
Method II: You are ordered + (to + $V_1$) + object.
Passive Voice II: You are ordered to switch off the lights.
Negative orders
In case of negative orders.
Active Voice: Don’t/Never + Verb + Object
Don’t switch off the lights.
Method I: Let + passive subject + not be + $V_3$
Passive Voice I: Let the lights not be switched off.
Method II: You are ordered+ not (to + $V_1$) + object.
Passive Voice II: You are ordered not to switch off the lights.
Positive request
In case of positive request.
Active Voice: Please/Kindly+ Verb + Object
Please switch off the lights.
Passive Voice: You are requested+ (to + $V_1$) + object.
You are requested to switch off the lights.
Negative request
In case of negative request.
Active Voice: Please/Kindly+ don’t + Verb + Object
Please don’t switch off the lights.
Passive Voice: You are requested + not (to + $V_1$) + object
You are requested not to switch off the lights.
Positive advice
In case of positive advice.
Active Voice: Verb + Object
Help the poor.
Passive Voice I: You are advised + (to + $V_1$) + object
You are advised to help the poor.
Passive Voice II: Passive subject + should be + $V_3$ (in case of moral suggestion we use this structure)
The poor should be helped.
Negative advice
In case of negative advice.
Active Voice: Don’t/Never + Verb + Object
Don’t help the greedy.
Passive Voice I: You are advised + not (to + $V_1$) + object
You are advised not to help the greedy.
Passive Voice II: Passive subject + should not be + $V_3$ (in case of moral suggestion we use this structure)
Greedy should not be helped.
Imperative sentences without object
Active Voice: Get out.
To make passive of such sentences we use:
You are ordered/requested/forbidden etc. + (to + $V_1$)
Passive Voice: You are ordered to get out.
Imperative sentences giving moral suggestion
Active Voice: Protect the weak.
To make passive of such sentences we use:
Passive subject + should + be + $V_3$
Passive Voice: The weak should be protected.
Extra Books and Tools
If you prefer to learn via books, or want some good English Grammar books for reference purposes, you may read this article which enlists some of the books recommended by us.