Passive Voice
A Few Brief Notes

Some Uses
A cell phone can be used to locate

someone. (general statement)
 They should be admitted. (emphasis
on subject)
 It was decided. (responsibility
hidden)
 My family was contacted.(actors
unknown)

About Passive Voice
The passive voice uses the receiver

of the action as the subject.
e.g. The car was washed. (The car

received the washing.)
 The bill was paid. (The bill received the
payment.)

More about the Passive
Voice
Passive Voice is used to emphasize

the object or when the subject is not
clear, not known, or de-emphasized.
Taxes were raised.

 The swimming pool was closed.
 The tests were given.

Passive Voice Forms:
Present
The passive voice in the present

tense is formed with the be verb (is,
are) and the past participle of the
verb.
Present - The car is washed in 30

minutes.
 Present Progressive – The car is
being washed right now.

Passive Voice Forms:Past
Past

The car was washed.

Past Progressive

The car was being washed when the

storm began.

Passive Voice Forms:
Present Perfect
Present Perfect

• The car has been washed.
The present perfect progressive is

hardly ever used in the passive.
• This house has been being remodeled since
we moved into the neighborhood six
months ago.

Passive Voice Forms: Future
Future (will)– The car will be washed

before lunch.
 Future (be going to) – The car is going
to be washed before lunch.

General Guidelines
Use the passive voice carefully.

 Use the passive voice for emphasis.
 Use the passive voice rarely.