In my opinion the expression is jargon.  The so called medio-passive, I suspect, is probably an earmark of business language.  Sometimes it is a handy way to avoid the "forbidden" passive voice. It reminds me of the intransitive verb "grow" being used as a transitive.  I think Janet's dean has fallen into the noose of such a jargon as is found in business reports and grant requests.  Other such expression of this ilk are found in most official and academic papers.  These jargons all have their own set of characteristics, but have much in common (obfuscation).  I think the international businesses, such as Amazon need to take better care to be clear to a diverse audience: "your order has been sent."  Do they teach a course in college called "Business English"?  


-----Original Message-----
From: Assembly for the Teaching of English Grammar [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Marie-Pierre Jouannaud
Sent: Tuesday, May 19, 2009 10:43 AM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: transitive/intransitive verbs

Dear ATEGers,

When I order books from amazon.com or amazon.co.uk, I sometimes receive 
messages saying:

your order has shipped/has dispatched

Is this a normal, common use of these verbs (I would expect them to be 
in the passive voice instead)?
Is it a new development?

Thanks,
Marie
France

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