Passive Voice

1. FORM
SUBJECT + BE + PAST PARTICIPLE [-ed/ 3RD form] + (BY + AGENT)
The cookies are made by my grandmother.

- Passive Questions- we put the first auxiliary verb before the subject
How often are the photos taken?
When were the photos taken?
Is the match being shown?
 2. USE
We use passive voice when:
- We are more interested in the action than the people who do the action
e.g. My computer has been fixed.

- we do not know who exactly does the action

e.g. Her laptop has been stolen.

- it is obvious or understood who did the action

e.g. The criminal was arrested at 5 o’clock.
TENSE ACTIVE VOICE PASSIVE VOICE
Present Simple Reporters write news reports. News reports are written
by reporters.
Present Michael is baking a cake. A cake is being baked by
Continuous Michael.
Past Simple The company hired new New workers were hired
workers. by the company.
Past Continuous The salesman was helping The customer was being
the customer. helped by the salesman.
Present Perfect They have discussed the The book has been
book. discussed by them.
Past Perfect John had delivered the The letters had been
letters. delivered by John.
Future Simple She will grab his arm. His arm will be grabbed
(will) by her.

I me
you you
he him
she her
it it
we us
you you
they them