The Passive Voice

Form, Function & Frequency

Contents
The following questions will be answered:

What is the passive voice?

Why do we need it?
How is it formed?
When is it used?
What is the passive voice?
The passive voice is used when the subject of a sentence receives an
action.

The cyclist rode the bike.

(ACTIVE)

The bike was ridden by the cyclist.

(PASSIVE)
How To Form PASSIVE

The Passive SUBJECT OBJECT

The boy rode the bicycle.

The subject moves to the

object position.
was by
The bicycle ridden the boy.

The object moves to the

SUBJECT OBJECT
subject position.
ACTIVE
How To Form PASSIVE

The Passive SUBJECT

VERB
OBJECT

(CONTINUED) The boy rode the bicycle.

Split the verb into a BE

verb and past participle.
was by
The bicycle ridden the boy.
BE
Add BY to show who VERB 3
SUBJECT OBJECT
performed the action.
ACTIVE
The Passive BE Verb
The BE verb changes depending on the subject and tense of the sentence.

PAST PRESENT FUTURE

SIMPLE was / were am / is / are will be

was / were am / is / are being am / is / are

CONTINUOUS being going to be

PERFECT had been has / have been will have been

When is it used?
The passive voice is commonly used with the following verbs and topics:

INVENTIONS & PRODUCTION & ARTS & CRIME & EMERGENCIES &
DISCOVERIES INDUSTRY ENTERTAINMENT PUNISHMENT DISASTERS

be discovered be produced be directed be caught be destroyed

be invented be grown be written be stolen be hurt
be tested be made be filmed be punished be broken
 QUESTION 1

Which of the following sentences contains passive voice?

a) The cat chased the mouse.

b) The cake was baked by my grandmother.

c) I will finish the report tomorrow.

d) The students eagerly answered the teacher's questions.

 QUESTION 1

Which of the following sentences contains passive voice?

a) The cat chased the mouse.

b) The cake was baked by my grandmother.

c) I will finish the report tomorrow.

d) The students eagerly answered the teacher's questions.

 QUESTION 2

Change this passive voice sentence into active voice:

The painting was admired by the entire gallery.

 QUESTION 2

Change this passive voice sentence into active voice:

The painting was admired by the entire gallery.

The entire gallery admired the painting.