2. The passive voice is used when…
1. We don’t know who is the subject of the sentence.
2. We want to emphasize the action instead of the subject of sentence.
3. Subject + auxiliary verb (to be) + past
participle (+ by + complement)
PRESENT SIMPLE
Subject+am/is/are+past participle (+ by+complement);
Example The book is published in January ( El libro se publica en enero)
PAST SIMPLE
Subject+was/were++past participle (+ by+complement);
Example This hotel was built in 1923(Este hotel se construyó en 1923)
PRESENT PERFECT
Subject+have/has been+past participle (+ by+complement);
Example My wallet has been stolen. (Ha sido robada mi cartera.)
4. Future with will
Subject+will be+past participle (+ by+complement);
Example She will be called tomorrow (Ella sera llamada mañana)
Going to future
Subject+am/is/are going to be+past participle (+ by+complement);
Example My brother is going to be called by his boss (Mi hermano va a ser llamado por su jefe)
Modal verb
Subject+modal verb+be+past participle (+ by+complement);
Example She should be phoned as soon as possible (Ella debería ser llamada en cuanto sea posible)
Past Perfect Simple
Subject+had been+ past participle (+ by+complement);
Example The children had been punished (Los niños habian sido castigados)
5. Active to passive transformation. Changes in the sentence..
Gina punished Charles
Subject Verb Object (Active)
Charles was punished by Gina.
Subject Verb Complement
6. EXAMPLE:
1. Thomas feeds his dog. His dog is fed by Thomas
2. The dolphins have learned many tricks. Many tricks have been learned by
dolphins.
3. Julie answered the question. The question was answered by Julie.
4. They grow coffee in Kenya Coffee is grown in Kenya.
5. A crocodile ate him in 1973 He was eaten by a crocodile in 1973.
