Final answer:
The passive pattern occurs when the subject of a sentence is receiving the action rather than performing the action.
Step-by-step explanation:
The passive pattern occurs when the subject of a sentence is receiving the action rather than performing the action. In passive voice sentences, the focus is on the object or receiver of the action.
For example, in the sentence 'The book was written by the author,' the book is the object receiving the action of being written.
Understanding passive voice and active voice can help improve the clarity and effectiveness of writing.