The document discusses the passive voice and how it is used. It provides examples of sentences in both the active and passive voice. The passive voice is used when the focus is on the action rather than the person or thing performing the action. It also outlines the structure of sentences in the passive voice, including affirmative, negative, and interrogative forms.

1. THE PASSIVE
VOICE

2. My mother washes my clothes
My clothes are washed by my mother
We speak English here
English is spoken here
They painted their bedroom walls
Their bedroom walls were painted
Mitch answered Laurent’s question
Laurent’s question was answered by Mitch
We use the passive voice when
we are interested in the action,
not in the person doing the
action.
ACTIVE
ACTIVE
PASSIVE
ACTIVE
ACTIVE
PASSIVE
PASSIVE
PASSIVE

4. This house is sold
Anthony
Palmeri is
wanted (by the
police)
No sugar is added
This road is
crossed by
chicken
Safety shoes are required
No dogs are allowed
on the beach

5. AFFIRMATIVE
PATIENT SUBJECT+ TO BE (present or past)+
PAST PARTICIPLE (+ BY+ AGENT SUBJECT)
The letter + was sent + by Marilyn
NEGATIVE
PATIENT SUBJECT + TO BE (present or past)
(NEGATED) + PAST PARTICIPLE (+ BY+ AGENT
The letter wasn’t sent by Marilyn
INTERROGATIVE
SUBJECT)
TO BE (present or past) + PATIENT SUBJECT +
PAST PARTICIPLE (+ BY+ SUJETO AGENTE)?
Was the letter sent by Marilyn?