Is it appropriate to use the passive voice and why in the sentence The old willow tree has been badly damaged by someone's carelessness?

Answer 1

Yes, it is appropriate to use the passive voice in the sentence:

The old willow tree has been badly damaged by someone's carelessness.

Reason: The actor is unknown, concealed, or is unimportant to the point.

However, you CAN choose to turn it into an active sentence:

Someone's carelessness badly damaged the old willow tree.

(Here, you give "someone" the position as actor.)

NOTE 1: The word "by" is often a clue to a passive sentence, along with helping verbs of the "be" variety (is, are, was, were, has, have, had, etc.).

NOTE 2: When you create active sentences, it makes sentences shorter--a good thing! So always try to put the actor FIRST, with an active verb.

Answer 2

Yes, it is appropriate to use the passive voice in this sentence to emphasize the action done to the willow tree rather than the one performing it. It shifts the focus to the tree's condition rather than the person responsible for the damage, which can be more effective in evoking a sense of concern or lamentation.