Academic Writing for International Students of Business

2.9:Passives 127

In 1889, he was introduced to Florence Rowe, the daughter of a bookseller, while

on holiday. After they were married the business was affected by her ideas: the

product range was enlarged to include stationery and books. The Boots

subscription library and in-store cafes were also introduced due to Florence’s

influence. During World War I the Boots factories were used to make a variety of

products, from sterilisers to gas masks. But after the war Jesse was attacked by

arthritis and, worried by the economic prospects, the company was sold to an

American rival for £2 m. This, however, was made bankrupt during the Depression

and Boots was then bought by a British group for £6 m, and Jesse’s son, John, was

made chairman. The famous No. 7 cosmetics range was launched in the 1930s and

in World War II both saccharin and penicillin were produced in the factories.

However, recently the company has been threatened by intense competition from

supermarkets in its core pharmaceutical business.

Passive Activepossible? Active

He was worn out Yes The effort... had worn him out

 What would be the effect of using the passive throughout the text?

6 Practice C

The passive is used more in written than in spoken English, but should not be overused, as
it can give a very formal tone.

 In the following text, which continues the history of the Boots company, passives are
used throughout. Change some of them into the active.