English Café: Remain

Advanced Details: Remain

Remember that “remain” is one of those verbs that cannot be used in the passive voice. Its grammar is similar to the grammar that we use for “happen.” That is, don’t use remain or happen in passive voice!

• PTTEP wants to ensure that all staff are remained safe. Incorrect
• PTTEP wants to ensure that all staff remain safe. Correct
• Yesterday an accident was happened in the storeroom. Incorrect 
• Yesterday an accident happened in the storeroom. Correct

Briefly, what is the difference between active and passive voice?

• Active: PTTEP installed the platform in 1998. PTTEP = subject, the platform = object
• Passive: The platform was installed by PTTEP in 1998. The platform = subject, PTTEP = object

In the passive voice, the subject and the object change places! Most English verbs can be used both in the active and passive voice … but NOT all verbs. Verbs like remain, happen, occur, and take place cannot be written in passive voice because they have no object.