Understanding 'To Be Had': A Guide to Passive Voice in English Grammar

The phrase to be had can be a confusing concept for English learners and native speakers alike. Often mistaken for a phrasal verb, it is actually the passive infinitive of the verb have. This article will dissect the nuances of to be had and explore its role in English grammar, with a focus on how it functions as an infinitive of purpose.

The Grammar of To Be Had

The passive voice is a grammatical construction in which the focus is on the patient (the recipient of the action) rather than the agent (the person or thing performing the action). It is formed by using the auxiliary verb be followed by the past participle of the main verb. In the case of to be had, it is derived from the verb have.

The Active and Passive Infinitives of Have

Expressing to have in its active and passive forms requires an understanding of how the infinitive changes:

Active Infinitive: to have Passive Infinitive: to be had

Example Sentences:

Active: I have a lot of work to do. Passive: There's a lot of work to be done.

Similarly, when it comes to the verb to have in its passive form:

Active: I have enough food to eat. Passive: There's enough food to be eaten.

The passive infinitive can be used to create a sentence where the emphasis is on the action affecting the object. For instance, There are plenty of pleasures to be had, highlights the opportunities available for experiencing or enjoying these pleasures.

Using To Be Had as an Infinitive of Purpose

The phrase to be had often appears in contexts that seek to define or classify the type of pleasures being talked about. It serves as an infinitive of purpose, clarifying the nature of the benefits or advantages that someone can derive from a particular situation or activity.

Example:

We enjoy a wide range of simple pleasures here to be had from the quiet beauty of nature to the rich cultural heritage.

In this example, to be had defines the type of pleasures that the speaker and others can enjoy in a particular setting. It specifies the nature of the experiences or benefits that are available.

Common Usage Scenarios

The expression to be had is frequently used in literature, conversation, and casual writing to emphasize the potential for enjoyment or the availability of certain experiences. For instance:

Escape to the mountains offers a variety of simple pleasures to be had, from hiking trails to breathtaking views. The festival is a great place to have fun, with plenty of activities to be had from live music to games and food stalls.

These examples illustrate how the passive infinitive introduces the idea of passive experiences that are available or possible to partake in, emphasizing the existence and availability of these pleasures.

Conclusion

In conclusion, to be had is not a phrasal verb but a passive infinitive derived from the verb to have. It functions as an infinitive of purpose, adding clarity to definitions of pleasures or benefits that can be experienced. Understanding its grammatical structure and usage can significantly enhance your ability to use and comprehend this phrase in a variety of contexts.