Passive voice is used when the focus is on the action. It is not important or not known, however, who or what is performing the action.
Example: My bike was stolen.
Example: Appointments are required in such cases.
FORM OF PASSIVE.
◾the object of the active sentence becomes the subject of the passive sentence
◾the finite form of the verb is changed (to be + past participle)
◾the subject of the active sentence becomes the object of the passive sentence (or is dropped)
PASSIVE VOICE FOR ALL TENSES RULES.
EXERCISES.
2. USE OF PASSIVE
Passive voice is used when the focus is on the action. It is not important or
not known, however, who or what is performing the action.
Example: My bike was stolen.
Example: Appointments are required in such cases.
3. FORM OF PASSIVE
How to form a passive sentence when an active sentence is given:
object of the active sentence becomes subject in the passive sentence
subject of the active sentence becomes object in the passive sentence (or is left out)
the finite form of the verb is changed (to be + past participle)
to be + past participle
To be + past participle
4. PASSIVE VOICE FOR ALL TENSES RULES
TENSE FORM EXAMPLE
Present simple I make a cake. A cake is made (by me
Present continuous I am making a cake.
A cake is being made (by
me).
Past simple I made a cake. A cake was made (by me).
Past continuous I was making a cake.
A cake was being made
(by me).
Present perfect I have made a cake.
A cake has been made (by
me).
Pres. perf. Continuous
I have been making a
cake.
A cake has been being
made (by me).
Past perfect I had made a cake.
A cake had been made (by
me).
Future simple I will make a cake.
A cake will be made (by
me).
Future perfect I will have made a cake.
A cake will have been
made (by me).
5. EXERCISES
EX. 1. Change the sentences to passive voice.
1. Many people begin new projects in January
2. You must wash that shirt for tonight’s party.
3. Mum is going to prepare the food.
4. They make shoes in that factory.
5. We will have to examine you again.
6. They had finished preparations by the time the guests arrived.
EX. 2. Read and complete. Use Past Simple.
a. The toothbrush / invent / in the 15th century.
b. The first public basketball game / play / in 1892.
c. The first eyeglasses / wear / in the 1200s.
d. The first bicycle / ride in 1791.
e. The first hot dog / eat / in the 1860s.
6. ANSWERS EXERCISE 1.
1. Many people begin new projects in January
New projects are begun in January.
2. You must wash that shirt for tonight’s party.
That shirt must be washed for tonight’s party.
3. Mum is going to prepare the food.
The food is going to be prepared by mum.
4. They make shoes in that factory.
Shoes are made in that factory.
5. We will have to examine you again.
You will have to be examined again.
6. They had finished preparations by the time the guests arrived.
Preparations had been finished by the time the guests arrived.
7. The delegation will meet the visitors at the airport.
The visitors will be met at the airport by the delegation