By Phrases
Deciding When to Include the "Agent"
The "agent" is the person who performs the action. However, sometimes the agent is unknown or not the focus (unimportant).
Including a By-Phrase
| INDENTIFYING INFORMATION | NONIDENTIFYING INFORMATION |
|---|---|
Include the by-phrase if it provides identifying, important information. |
Do not include the by-phrase if it adds no important information. |
The woman was killed by her husband late last night. |
The woman was killed [by
someone] late last
night. |
Practice
Conditions for Keeping a By-Phrase
Omit the by-phrase (if):
Practice 2
The Elian Gonzalez Affair
Should the by-phrase be included?
- Select an option and read the comment about each option.
- Compare your response to the comment box on the right. (Internet Explorer users may need to click in the feedback box to force the text to appear.)
- Note that there are no "absolute" rules. Using the 'by
phrase' is determined by the writer's judgment of importance.
Index Grammar-Quizzes | Previous Focus on Object | Next Focus Indirect Object
