Navigating the complexities of English grammar can be challenging, especially when it comes to understanding subtle differences between phrases like “has been changed” and “has changed.”
These phrases, though similar, carry different meanings and implications.
“Has been changed” is used in passive voice when focusing on the action, while “has changed” is in active voice, emphasizing the subject. Understanding their grammatical differences helps improve clarity and accuracy in writing.
In this blog post, we’ll delve into the nuances of these expressions, explore their grammatical structures, and provide practical examples to help you master their usage.
Introduction to Perfect Tenses
Perfect tenses are essential in English, allowing us to describe actions that have been completed at different times.
The perfect tenses include:
- Present Perfect: Describes actions completed at some point before now.
- Past Perfect: Describes actions completed before a certain point in the past.
- Future Perfect: Describes actions that will be completed before a specific future time.
Understanding these tenses is crucial for grasping the differences between “has been changed” and “has changed.”
Unpacking “Has Been Changed”
Definition and Explanation of the Passive Voice
The phrase “has been changed” is an example of the passive voice. In the passive voice, the action’s recipient becomes the sentence’s subject. The structure of the passive voice is:
Subject + has/have + been + past participle
For example, in the sentence “The
rules have been changed,” the focus is on the rules rather than who changed them.
Structure of the Passive Voice
Understanding the structure helps clarify why and when we use the passive voice. Here’s a breakdown:
| Structure Component | Example |
| Subject | The rules |
| Auxiliary verb (has/have) | have |
| Auxiliary verb (been) | been |
| Past participle | changed |
Common Contexts for Passive Voice
The passive voice is often used in specific contexts, such as:
- Emphasizing the action: “The documents have been signed.”
- Unknown or irrelevant doer: “The window has been broken.”
- Formal writing: “Policies have been updated.”
The Role of Passive Voice in English
Why Passive Voice is Important
The passive voice is crucial because it shifts focus from the doer to the action or recipient, which can be particularly useful in formal and objective writing. It allows writers to:
- Emphasize the action or result rather than the subject performing the action.
- Create an impersonal tone, often necessary in scientific and technical writing.
Situations Favoring Passive Voice
Here are some situations where passive voice is preferred:
- When the doer is unknown: “The package has been delivered.”
- When the doer is unimportant: “The announcement has been made.”
- To maintain objectivity: “Errors have been detected in the system.”
Examples Illustrating Passive Voice
- Scientific Writing: “The experiment has been conducted three times.”
- News Reports: “The new law has been passed by the government.”
- Instructions: “The device has been assembled and is ready for use.”
Practical Examples of “Has Been Changed”
Real-life Examples
Let’s look at some real-life examples to understand how “has been changed” is used in different contexts:
- Formal Reports: “The policy has been changed to comply with new regulations.”
- Technical Instructions: “The password has been changed for security reasons.”
- Customer Service: “Your appointment has been changed to next week.”
Detailed Explanations
Each example highlights the importance of focusing on the action or the result:
- Policy Change: The emphasis is on the policy, not on who changed it.
- Security Update: The focus is on the password change to ensure safety.
- Appointment Rescheduling: The priority is the new schedule, not who made the change.
Deciphering “Has Changed”
Definition and Explanation of the Active Voice
In contrast to the passive voice, “has changed” is an example of the active voice, where the subject performs the action. The structure is:
Subject + has/have + past participle
For example, “She has changed her phone number” clearly shows who performed the action.
Structure of the Active Voice
Here’s the breakdown of the active voice structure:
| Structure Component | Example |
| Subject | She |
| Auxiliary verb (has/have) | has |
| Past participle | changed |
| Object | her phone number |
Situations Favoring Active Voice
The active voice is preferred for its clarity and directness. It is often used in:
- Everyday Conversation: “He has changed the settings.”
- Narratives: “The hero has saved the day.”
- Instructions and Commands: “You have completed the task.”
The Nuances of Responsibility and Agency
How the Choice Reflects Responsibility
Choosing between active and passive voice can reflect responsibility and agency. The active voice clearly assigns responsibility to the subject, whereas the passive voice may obscure it.
- Active Voice: “The manager has changed the schedule.”
- Passive Voice: “The schedule has been changed.”
Examples Highlighting Agency
- Active: “The developer has updated the software.” (The developer is responsible)
- Passive: “The software has been updated.” (Focus on the software, not the developer)
Identifying the Doer of the Action
Importance of Clarity
Identifying the doer of the action enhances clarity and precision. It’s particularly important in instructions, reports, and narratives.
Comparative Examples
- Passive: “The project has been completed.”
- Active: “The team has completed the project.”
In the active sentence, it’s clear who completed the project, enhancing understanding and accountability.
Practical Examples: “Has Changed” in Use
Everyday Examples
Here are some common uses of “has changed”:
- Personal Conversations: “She has changed her hairstyle.”
- Updates and Notifications: “The venue has changed for the event.”
- Narrative Descriptions: “The weather has changed since morning.”
Detailed Explanations
Each example demonstrates clarity and directness:
- Hairstyle Change: Clearly indicates who changed their hairstyle.
- Event Update: Directly informs about the new venue.
- Weather Description: Describes the change in weather succinctly.
Comparative Analysis: “Has Been Changed” vs. “Has Changed”
Side-by-Side Comparison
Let’s compare these phrases in various contexts:
| Context | Has Been Changed (Passive) | Has Changed (Active) |
| Policy Update | “The policy has been changed.” | “The board has changed the policy.” |
| Security Measures | “The password has been changed.” | “The user has changed the password.” |
| Event Scheduling | “The appointment has been changed.” | “The secretary has changed the appointment.” |
Analysis of Differences
- Emphasis: Passive voice emphasizes the action or result. Active voice emphasizes the subject performing the action.
- Clarity: Active voice often provides more clarity about who is responsible for the action.
- Formality: Passive voice is more formal and impersonal, suitable for official and technical contexts.
Choosing the Correct Verb Form Based on Context
Guidelines for Deciding
Here are some guidelines to help you choose between “has been changed” and “has changed”:
- Audience: Use passive voice for formal or impersonal contexts. Use active voice for informal and personal communication.
- Purpose: Use passive voice to emphasize the action or result. Use active voice to highlight the doer of the action.
- Clarity: Choose active voice for clearer communication of who is responsible.
Factors to Consider
- Formality: Passive voice suits formal documents. Active voice suits everyday speech.
- Focus: Passive voice focuses on the action/result. Active voice focuses on the doer.
- Clarity: Active voice provides clearer identification of the subject.
Grammar Tips for Mastering These Structures
Tips and Tricks
Here are some tips to help you master the use of these structures:
- Identify the Subject: Determine who or what is performing the action.
- Decide the Focus: Choose passive voice for action focus, active voice for subject focus.
- Practice: Use exercises and real-life examples to practice switching between active and passive voice.
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
- Overusing Passive Voice: Avoid making sentences overly formal and indirect. Balance with active voice.
- Neglecting Clarity: Ensure the subject is clear, especially in technical and instructional writing.
- Ignoring Context: Consider the context and audience when choosing the verb form.
❓ FAQs
1. What is the difference between “has changed” and “has been changed”?
- “Has changed” (active) means the subject performed the action.
- “Has been changed” (passive) means the action happened to the subject.
2. When should I use “has changed”?
- Use “has changed” when highlighting the doer of the action, e.g., “The company has changed its policy.”
3. When is “has been changed” appropriate?
- Use “has been changed” when focusing on the action, e.g., “The policy has been changed due to new regulations.”
4. Why does passive voice use “been” in “has been changed”?
- “Been” indicates a completed action in passive voice, e.g., “The password has been changed.”
5. Which form is better for formal writing?
- Passive voice (“has been changed”) is more formal and often used in reports, official documents, and scientific writing.
6. How can I decide whether to use passive or active voice?
- Use active voice for clarity and directness (“He has changed the settings.”). Use passive voice when the doer is unknown or unimportant (“The settings have been changed.”).
Conclusion
Mastering the differences between “has been changed” and “has changed” requires understanding their grammatical structures and appropriate contexts.
By practicing these distinctions and applying them thoughtfully, you can enhance your writing’s clarity, precision, and effectiveness.
Remember, the choice between passive and active voice reflects not just grammar, but also the focus and tone of your communication.
Keep practicing, and soon these structures will become second nature in your writing.
