The document explains the structure and usage of passive voice in English grammar, highlighting how to form passive sentences using the auxiliary verb 'be' and the past participle of the main verb. It provides examples contrasting active and passive voice and discusses scenarios where the passive voice is preferred, such as emphasizing the receiver of the action or when the doer is unknown. Additionally, the document notes that using passive voice can create a more objective tone.

1. Passive
Voice

2. A simple sentence structure

4. Active voice:
Passive voice:

5. The passive voice is formed by:
Using a form of the auxiliary
verb “be”
The past participle of the
main verb.
(am, is, are)
+

6. When we mention the agent –the person or thing who does the
action- we use "by"
Example:

7. Present Simple
Active Voice Passive Voice
We make projects in this class. Projects are made in this class.
S V O O Aux. V Pp. V
Obj. + am/is/are + V (PP) + by + Obj. pronoun
Example:

8. Present Simple
Active Voice Passive Voice
Professor Brown teaches math. Math is taught by professor Brown.
Obj. + am/is/are + V (PP) + by + Obj. pronoun
Examples:
S V O O Aux. V Pp. V
S

9. Active Voice Passive Voice
Susana speaks English. English is spoken by Susana.
Examples:
S V O O Aux. V Pp. V
S
Active Voice Passive Voice
Everyone knows Apple for its innovate devices. Apple is known for its innovate devices.
Extra exercises
S V O O Aux. V Pp. V
Quizziz

10. How we use the Passive Voice in real
life?

11. 1) To emphasize the receiver of the action instead of the doer
• Quizzes are given regularly.
• Grades for all students are averaged.
• Questions are encouraged.
2) To keep the focus on the same subject through several sentences or
paragraphs
My sister and I grew up and went to school in Jamaica.
We were educated according to the British system. In
1997 we were given the opportunity to come to the
United States.

12. 3) When we do not know who performed the action
• Ray's calculator is made in Germany.
• My cellphone is stolen!
4) When we do not wish to mention the doer of the action:
Note: This use often reveals an unwillingness to take responsibility (or place it on someone else).
Substitute:
The glass is broken.
For:
I break the glass.
5) When we want to sound objective or avoid using the subject “I”
Hamlet is considered . . .
(You don’t know, don’t care, or don’t want to say who did the action. This can help you sound
more polite and avoidconflict.)