The passive: present, past, present perfect

• The passive is formed with a tense of the verb to be + the past participle of the main verb.
present simple
This room is used for dance classes. present continuous
My jeans are being washed.
past simple
We weren't told what to do.
present perfect
The room has been painted.
• We use by to introduce the person or thing that does the action.
We're taught Chinese on Saturdays by Mrs Lee.
Are you being looked after by a nurse?
The window was repaired by my dad.
The room has been painted by the students.
The passive: modals
• We form the passive of modal verbs with:
modal + (to) be + past participle
My sweater should be washed at a low temperature.
All these clothes need to be folded carefully.
My T-shirts needn't be ironed.
The washing machine might be damaged by a heavy load.
The passive: usage
The passive is widely used in English, in both speaking and writing. We use the passive:
• if we do not know who or what does the action.
A car was parked in the middle of the road.
The window's been broken!
•if who or what does the action is unimportant.
My new bike is being delivered today.
These files should be backed up regularly.
• if it is obvious who or what does the action.
I've been asked to play for my school team.
Your bedroom needs to be tidied before you go out.