PASSIVE VOICE

The passive voice is used when focusing on the person or thing affected by an action.

• The Passive is formed: Passive Subject + To Be + Past Participle

The house was built in 1989.

Passive Voice Structure

Active Passive Time Reference

They make Fords in Cologne. Fords are made in

Cologne.
Present Simple

Susan is cooking dinner. Dinner is being cooked by

Susan
Present
Continuous

James Joyce wrote "Dubliners". "Dubliners" was written

by James Joyce.
Past Simple

They were painting the house when I arrived. The house was being
painted when I arrived.
Past Continuous

They have produced over 20 models in the past Over 20 models have
two years. been produced in the past
Present Perfect
two years.

They are going to build a new factory in A new factory is going to

Portland. be built in Portland.
Future Intention
with Going to

I will finish it tomorrow. It will be finished

tomorrow.
Future Simple

Example: Answer:
Peter writes a letter. A letter is written.or
A letter is written by Peter.

EXERCISES
Julia rescued three cats.
Alex learned the poem.
Steven has forgotten the book.
The teacher is not going to open the window.
Put in the correct form of the verb in Passive
into the gaps. Use the verb and the tense given
in brackets.

Example:
A letter __________ by Peter. (to write - Simple
Present)

Answer:
A letter is written by Peter.

1) The words by the

teacher today. (to explain - Simple Present)

2) We a letter the day

before yesterday. (to send - Simple Past)

3) This car . It's too old.

(not/to steal - will-future)

4) This street because of

snow. (already/to close - Present Perfect)

5) A new restaurant next

week. (to open - will-future)

6) He to the party
yesterday. (to invite - Simple Past)

7) The blue box .

(can/not/to see - Simple Present)

8) I the book by my
friend last Sunday. (to give - Simple Past)

9) The dishes by my
little brother. (not/to wash - Present Perfect)

10) I by Robert. (not/to

ask - will-future)