THE PASSIVE

FORM
BE + PAST PARTICIPLE
For example: The awards were organised in 1960.
 WE USE THE
PASSIVE FORM:
when the person who carries out the
action is unknown, unimportant or
obvious from the context. We use by +
agent to say who carries out the action
or with + instrument/material to say
what the agent used to carry out the
action.
when the action is more important than
the person who carries it out.
to make statements more formal or
polite.
 PRESENT SIMPLE
ACTIVE PASSIVE

The art gallery holds Exhibitions are held by

exhibition. the art gallery.
 PAST SIMPLE
ACTIVE PASSIVE

Michelangelo painted The Sistine Chapel was

the Sistine Chapel. painted by
Michelangelo.
PRESENT PERFECT
ACTIVE PASSIVE

He has made this The piece of art has

piece of art with been made with plastic
plastic bags. bags.
 FUTURE
ACTIVE PASSIVE

They will auction the The Monet painting will

Monet painting be auctioned tomorrow.
tomorrow.
 MODALS
ACTIVE PASSIVE

He has to finish the The sculpture has to be

sculpture soon. finished soon.