【问】 The window was broken by the boy.

被动句中的by-短语是否只能表示有生命的施动者(例如人)，而不可能表示无生命的东西?

【答】 准确的说法应当是：被动句中的by-短语一般是表示有生命的施动者(例如人)，但是有时候也可以表示无生命的东西。例如：

1. Are these goods made by machinery? (Palmer)

这些商品是机器生产的吗?

2. The crops have been ruined by frost. (CGEL)

庄稼被霜冻冻坏了。

3. His ease was suddenly disturbed by a coin flying into his carriage. (Mis)

他的安逸突然被飞到马车里的一枚硬币给破坏了。

4. The window had been broken by a stone. (CGEL)

窗户被一块石头打碎了。

5. Coal has been replaced by oil. (CGEL)

煤被石油所取代。