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Master English Grammar

Introduction to Passive Voice

Learn how to form the passive voice in different tenses and when to use it.

What Is the Passive Voice?

The passive voice is used when the focus is on the action rather than who performs it. It follows the structure: be + past participle.

Why Is This Important?

The passive voice is useful in formal writing and when the doer of the action is unknown or unimportant.

Key Points

  • The passive voice shifts the focus to the action
    • Active: The chef cooked the meal.
    • Passive: The meal was cooked by the chef.
  • Form the passive with be + past participle
    • Present: The book is written by her.
    • Past: The house was built in 1990.
    • Future: The work will be completed soon.

Rules for Using the Passive Voice

  • Use be + past participle to form the passive voice

    • The cake was baked by my grandmother.
    • A new road is being constructed.

  • Use the passive when the doer is unknown or not important

    • A cure for the disease has been discovered.
    • The letters were delivered this morning.

  • Special Cases & Exceptions:

    The passive voice is not commonly used in everyday speech but is frequent in academic and formal writing.

  • Some verbs cannot be used in the passive voice.

    • Active: She has a car. (No passive form)
    • Active: He resembles his father. (No passive form)
TenseActivePassive
Present SimpleShe writes the reports.The reports are written by her.
Past SimpleThey built the house in 1980.The house was built in 1980.
Future SimpleThey will finish the project soon.The project will be finished soon.

Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with the creators of these videos. These are publicly available resources used to provide additional information on the topic.