Introduction to Passive

Voice
Passive voice is a grammatical construction that emphasizes the object of the action rather than the
subject. It is formed by using a form of the verb "to be" and the past participle of the main verb.
Throughout this document, we will explore the various aspects of passive voice, including its
application in different tenses and with modal verbs.

by Didi Riski
Passive Voice in Present Perfect
Tense
The passive voice in the present perfect tense is formed by using the present tense of the verb "to have"
(has or have) and the past participle of the main verb. It is used to indicate actions that were completed
at some point in the past but are relevant to the present. For example, "The project has been
completed." This tense allows for the focus to be on the result or impact of the action.

1 Formation
The present perfect passive is formed by using "has been" or "have been" followed by
the past participle of the main verb.

2 Use
It is used to describe actions that have been completed but are relevant to the present
time.

3 Examples
1. The report has been submitted.
2. The cake has been baked.
Passive Voice in Past Perfect
Tense
The passive voice in the past perfect tense is formed by using the past tense of the verb "to
have" (had) and the past participle of the main verb. It is used to indicate an action that had
been completed before another action took place in the past. For example, "The pizza had
been eaten before I arrived." This tense allows for the sequence of events to be emphasized.

1 Formation
The past perfect passive is formed by using "had been" followed by the
past participle of the main verb.

2 Use
It is used to describe actions that were completed before another action in
the past.

3 Examples
1. The movie had been watched before it was reviewed.
2. The room had been cleaned before the guests arrived.
Passive Voice in Future
Perfect Tense
The passive voice in the future perfect tense is formed by using "will have been" followed
by the past participle of the main verb. It is used to indicate the completion of an action by
a certain point in the future. For example, "The work will have been finished by the time you
arrive." This tense allows for the anticipation of a future event's completion to be
highlighted.

1 Formation
The future perfect passive is formed using "will have been" followed by the
past participle of the main verb.

2 Use
It is used to describe actions that will be completed by a specific future
time.

3 Examples
1. The report will have been written by the end of the week.
2. The cake will have been eaten by the time the party begins.
Passive Voice with Modal Verbs
Passive voice can also be used with modal verbs such as "can," "could," "may," "might," "must," "shall,"
"should," "will," "would," and "ought to." This usage allows for the expression of possibility, permission,
ability, necessity, obligation, and more in passive constructions. For example, "The package can be
delivered tomorrow." This construction enables an indirect or polite tone in expressing actions or states.

1 Possibility 2 Obligation
Actions that can happen or are likely to Actions that must be done are expressed
happen without a specific commitment using the modal verb "must."
are expressed using the modal verb "can."

3 Permission 4 Examples
Actions that are allowed to be done are 1. The report must be submitted by Friday.
expressed using the modal verb "may." 2. The package may be picked up at the
front desk.
Examples of Passive Voice in
Perfect Tenses
1. The documents have been signed by the authorized personnel.
2. The letter had been delivered before he came back.
3. By the end of the day, the work will have been completed.

Signed Documents Letter Delivery Completed Work

Illustration of signed legal Artistic depiction of a letter An image representing the
documents. being delivered. completion of a task.
Examples of Passive Voice with
Modal Verbs
1. The situation could be resolved by diplomatic negotiations.
2. The deadline must be adhered to at all costs.
3. The event may be canceled due to unforeseen circumstances.

Diplomatic Deadline Adherence Event Cancellation

Negotiations Illustration depicting adherence An image reflecting the
An image representing to a deadline. cancellation of an event.
diplomatic discussions.
Conclusion and Key
Points
In conclusion, passive voice in perfect tenses and with modal verbs
provides a versatile and diverse range of applications in English
grammar. The ability to shift the focus from the performer of an action to
the recipient or object of the action allows for nuanced and varied
communication. Understanding the formation, usage, and examples of
passive voice in different tenses and with modal verbs contributes
significantly to language proficiency and effective expression in written
and oral communication.