Abstract: The thesis divides the asymmetry phenomena into two kinds: the form asymmetry and the semantic asymmetry between active voice and passive voice of English. This study attempts to explore the inner causes of the two phenomena and is hoped to provide some practical reference in the learning of English voice and the actual use of English verbs and other related fields to those who learns English as a foreign language.

Key words: English active voice and passive voice; form asymmetry; semantic asymmetry

CONTENTS

Abstract

中文摘要

1. Introduction1

2. The Voice of Different Verbs .... 1

2.1 The Verbs Expressing Material Process

2.2 The Verbs Expressing Mental Process

2.3 The Verbs Expressing Relational Process

2.4 The Verbs Expressing Behavioral Process

2.5 The Verbs Expressing Verbal Process

3.The Form Asymmetry Phenomenon between Active Voice and Passive Voice ..3

3.1 Verbs Usually Used in Actives

3.2 Verbs Usually Used in Passives

3.3 Verbs Used in Both Active Voice and Passive Voice

3.4 Verbs in Active Voice Expressing Passive Meaning

4.The Semantic Asymmetry Phenomena between Active Voice and Passive Voice...4

4.1 The Semantic Changes Caused by the Change of the Subjects

  4.2 The Semantic Cross Caused by the Transformation from Active Voice into Passive Voice

5. Conclusion..6

Bibliography...7