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Master English Grammar

Present, Past, and Future Passive Forms

Learn how to use the passive voice in the present, past, and future tenses. Understand how to transform active sentences into passive sentences across different tenses.

What Are Passive Forms in Different Tenses?

Passive voice can be used in various tenses to indicate that the subject of the sentence receives the action. The verb 'to be' changes based on the tense, and the past participle of the main verb is used.

Why Is This Important?

Knowing how to form passive sentences in different tenses allows you to express actions where the focus is on the action itself, rather than the doer.

How to Form Passive Sentences in Different Tenses

For passive voice, we use the appropriate form of 'to be' in the tense you want, followed by the past participle of the main verb. The tense determines which form of 'to be' you use.

Common Examples

Present Passive: The book is read every day.
Past Passive: The book was read yesterday.
Future Passive: The book will be read tomorrow.

Key Points

  • Present Passive: Use 'is/are' + past participle
    • The meal is served every day.
    • The letter is sent every week.
  • Past Passive: Use 'was/were' + past participle
    • The book was read yesterday.
    • The dishes were washed last night.
  • Future Passive: Use 'will be' + past participle
    • The report will be finished tomorrow.
    • The project will be completed next week.

Rules for Present, Past, and Future Passive Forms

  • Use Present Passive for actions happening now

    • The letter is sent every week.
    • The meal is served at 6 PM.

  • Use Past Passive for actions that were completed in the past

    • The book was read yesterday.
    • The dishes were cleaned last night.

  • Use Future Passive for actions that will happen in the future

    • The report will be finished tomorrow.
    • The project will be completed next week.

  • Special Cases & Exceptions:

    In future passive sentences, we do not use 'will be' with modal verbs. Instead, use the base form of 'to be' and the past participle.

  • Remember: In passive voice, the action's receiver becomes the subject of the sentence.

    • Active: She writes the report. → Passive: The report is written by her.
    • Active: They completed the project. → Passive: The project was completed by them.
ExampleTenseUse
The meal is served every day.Present PassivePresent action in passive voice
The book was read yesterday.Past PassivePast action in passive voice
The project will be completed tomorrow.Future PassiveFuture action in passive voice

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