CHAPTER 5

PASSIVE VOICE
Each sentence in English is written either in active or passive form.
English passive form is used when we want to emphasize the action (the verb) and the object of a sentence rather than subject.
Subject + to be + V3

Form Active Sentence Passive Sentence

Simple present Many people speak English all over the world. English is spoken all over the world.
 Many people don’t speak English all over the world.  English isn’t spoken all over the world.
 Do many people speak English all over the world?  Is English spoken all over the world?

Simple past Our school received ten packages of learning modules last morning. Ten packages of learning modules were received last morning.
 Our school didn’t receive ten packages of learning modules.  Ten packages of learning modules weren’t received.
 Did our school receive ten packages of learning modules?  Were ten packages of learning modules received last morning?

Modality This pandemic has created many challenges. Many challenges have been created by this pandemic.
Has/have  This pandemic hasn’t created many challenges.  Many challenges haven’t been created by this pandemic.
 Has this pandemic created many challenges?  Have many challenges been created by this pandemic?

Can/should/ We will solve every problem. Every problem will be solved.

must  We won’t solve every problem.  Every problem won’t be solved.
Will  Will we solve every problem?  Will every problem be solved?

Continuous Everyone is reducing the global greenhouse emissions. The global greenhouse emissions are being reduced.
 Everyone isn’t reducing the global greenhouse emissions.  The global greenhouse emissions aren’t being reduced.
 Is everyone reducing the global greenhouse emissions?  Are the global greenhouse emissions being reduced?
 Form Active Sentence Passive Sentence

Simple present Human being needs fresh air and clean water.

Simple past In 3000 BC, ancient people utilized the bartering system to get food.

Modality The seminars have made her aware of sexual harassment.

Has/have

Can/should/ In marriage, a man should treat a woman like a queen.

must
will

Continuous We are discussing the new project.

EXERCISE