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 computer was stolen.
In the example above, the focus is on the fact that
my computer was stolen. I do not know, however,
who did it.
Sometimes a statement in passive is more polite
than active voice, as the following example shows:
Example: A mistake was made.
In this case, I focus on the fact that a mistake was
made, but I do not blame anyone.
3. Form of Passive
Form:
Subject + finite form of to be + Past Participle (3 column
of irregular verbs).
Example: A letter was written by me.
When rewriting active sentences in passive voice, note the
following:
· 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).
4. Tense Active Passive
Simple present Zara wrote a book. A boos is written by Zara.
Present
continuous
Zara is writing a book. A book is being written by Zara.
Simple past Zara wrote a book. A book was written by Zara.
Past continuous Zara was writing a book. A book was being written by Zara.
Present perfect Zara has written a book. A book has been written by Zara.
Simple future Zara will write a book. A book will be written by Zara.
Conditional Zara would write a book. A book would be written by Zara.
5. Passive Voice
ACT: They are serving dinner now.
PAS: Dinner is being served now.
ACT: I will make it tomorrow.
PAS: It will be made tomorrow.
ACT: Reporters write news reports.
PAS: News reports are written by reportes.
ACT: They restore buildings.
PAS: Buildings are restored.
ACT: You stole the cookie from the cookie jar.
PAS: The cookie was stolen from the cookie jar.
