SUMMARY 4.

2
TOPIC: PASSIVE VOICE IN PAST
CONCEPT & STRUCTURE I

We use the passive voice in past when the subject isn´t doing the action. This is usually because
the doer of the actions is obvious, unknown, or unimportant.

Function

The passive voice is used to show interest in the person or thing that is the object of an action,
instead of the person or thing that performs the action. In other words, the most important
person or thing becomes the subject of the sentence.

The passive voice is usually used in formal texts. Switching to the active voice will make what you
write clearer and easier to read.

Composition

In passive voice we always use the auxiliary “to be” in past in affirmative or negative + a verb in
past participle. This is the structure of the passive voice in past.

General structure
Type Grammar structure Example
Affirmative Subject + Auxiliary in past + Verb in past The tenants were given a
participle copy of the regulations.
Negative Subject + Auxiliary (-) in past + Verb in The building wasn´t painted
past participle every month.
Interrogative Question word + Auxiliary in past + Q: When was the trash
Subject + Verb in past participle picked up?
A: It was picked up on
Tuesdays.

Note: The question word is not mandatory if you ask YES and NO.

Examples:

Active voice Passive voice

Mr Jones watched films. Films were watched by Mr Jones.
The people spoke English. English was spoken by the people.
He didn´t read comics. Comics weren´t read by him.
They didn´t sing the song.  The song wasn´t sung by them.
Did Jim write the letter? Was the letter written by Jim?

Teacher James Contact: (55) 83281274 / jg175120@gmail.com