Passive Voice – Choosing Between ‘Will Be Expanded’ OR ‘Will Expand’

passive-voice

It's probable that markets will be expanded in the future.

It's probable that markets will expand in the future.

Which sentence is correct, or I should use?

Best Answer

The verb "to expand" has a transitive definition meaning "to make larger". "To expand" also has an intransitive definition meaning "to become larger".

Your examples are one of each. The first sentence is the transitive verb's passive form, which implies conscious action -- someone will make the markets grow. The second sentence is transitive and simply means the markets will grow, but does not imply this is a result of any conscious effort.

Other examples:

This constant noise must be stopped! (transitive passive)

The noise will stop (intransitive) after we are finished.

If you don't stop it (transitive active), I will!

Ok, since you want it to stop (intransitive) we will stop it (transitive).