Naming the Doer in a Passive
In a passive sentence, e usually names the doer: heluhelu ʻia ka puke e ke keiki.
How It Works
The order is the passive verb, the receiver, then e and the doer.
| Part | Example |
|---|---|
| Passive verb | Kuke ʻia |
| Receiver | ka ʻai |
| e + doer | e ka makuahine |
The reference grammar notes that, when the cause is not on purpose, the doer is marked with i or iā instead of e. For an ordinary doer who acts on purpose, e is the marker to learn first.
If you do not know or do not need the doer, leave the e phrase off. Many passive sentences are complete without it, such as Kuke ʻia ka ʻai.
Examples (4)
- Heluhelu ʻia ka puke e ke keiki.
The book is read by the child.
E comes before the doer, ke keiki.
- Kuke ʻia ka ʻai e ka makuahine.
The food is cooked by the mother.
The doer is a person acting on purpose.
- Kākau ʻia ka leka e Leilani.
The letter is written by Leilani.
E also goes before a name.
- Hoʻomaʻemaʻe ʻia ka lumi e nā haumāna.
The room is cleaned by the students.
The doer can be plural with nā.
How It Connects
Learn This First
A passive can add who did the action with e.
Related Patterns
Words in This Pattern
Practice Naming the Doer in a Passive in Bubblegum
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