Passive Voice
B1The Passive Voice shifts focus from who does the action to what receives the action. It is common in formal writing, news reports, and when the doer is unknown or unimportant.
Rule
Form the passive with the correct tense of 'be' + past participle (V3). The tense is carried by the verb 'be'. Use 'by' to mention the agent (doer) only when it adds important information. If the doer is obvious, unknown, or unimportant, omit it.
Subject (receiver) + be (in correct tense) + past participle (V3) [+ by agent]
Examples
Present Simple PassiveEnglish is spoken in many countries.
Past Simple PassiveThe bridge was built in 1995.
Present Perfect PassiveThe homework has been submitted.
With agent (by)This novel was written by a Georgian author.
Future PassiveThe results will be announced next Monday.
Modal PassiveThis problem can be solved easily.
Exam Tip
On the NAEC exam, check whether the subject DOES the action or RECEIVES it. If the subject receives the action, you need passive. Then match the tense of 'be' to the time markers in the sentence.
Common Errors
- !Forgetting the verb 'be': 'The letter written yesterday' instead of 'The letter was written yesterday'.
- !Using the wrong tense of 'be': 'The cake is made yesterday' instead of 'The cake was made yesterday'.
- !Using active form when passive is needed: 'Someone built this church in 1200' when the focus should be 'This church was built in 1200'.
- !Adding 'by someone/people' unnecessarily: 'English is spoken by people all over the world' — just say 'English is spoken all over the world'.
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