When we put the following sentence into the passive voice, is the agent introduced by the preposition by, as it usually is with other verbs?
- Active: Do you know her?
- Passive : Is she known by you?
When we put the following sentence into the passive voice, is the agent introduced by the preposition by, as it usually is with other verbs?
- Active: Do you know her?
- Passive : Is she known by you?
Active: "Do you know her?"
Passive : "Is she known to you?"
"by you" is used for more active verbs, for example:
"Did you paint that picture?"
"Was that picture painted by you?"
Knowing or not knowing is not an action but a state (in this case of a relationship).
Another approach/thought :
He is known by me. Suggest a more normal two-way relationship. But it would sound awkward and unnatural to a native speaker.
He is known to me. Suggests a two-way personal relationship. It sounds like I know him in the sense that I know President Obama.