PASSIVE VOICE

We only use the passive when we are interested in the object or when we do not know who caused
the action.
Example:
Appointments are required in such cases.
We can only form a passive sentence from an active sentence when there is an object in the active
sentence.
I. PASSIVE VOICE FORM
to be + past participle
How to form a passive sentence when an active sentence is given:
- object of the "active" sentence becomes subject in the "passive" sentence
- subject of the "active" sentence becomes "object" in the "passive" sentence" (or is left out)
Active:

Peter

builds

a house.

Passive:

A house

is built

by Peter.

Active

Peter

builds

a house.

Passive:

A house

is built

by Peter.

Active:

Peter

built

a house.

Passive:

A house

was built

by Peter.

Active:

Peter

has built

a house.

Passive:

A house

has been built

by Peter.

Active:

Peter

will build

a house.

Passive:

A house

will be built

by Peter.

Active:

Peter

can build

a house.

Passive:

A house

can be built

by Peter.

Simple Present

Simple Past

Present Perfect

Future

Modals

EXERCISE 1
Decide whether these sentences are written in Active or Passive

1.

Boys like to play soccer.

2.

This room has been painted blue.

3.

Cricket is played in Australia.

4.

I am given a book.

5.

We have lost our keys.

6.

You might see dolphins here.

7.

The report must be completed by next Friday.

8.

They were singing a song.

9.

A letter was written to her.

10. The bike is being repaired.

EXERCISE 2
Change these active sentences into passive sentences!

1. Julia rescued three cats.

2. The students handed in the reports.
3.

Maria crashed into the blue car.

4.

Alex learned the poem.

5.

Steven has forgotten the book.

6.

The mechanic has not repaired the DVD recorder.

7.

They play handball.

8.

Sue puts the rucksack on the floor.

9.

The girls had lost the match.

10. The teacher is not going to open the window.

II. PASSIVE VOICE: GET/HAVE SOMETHING DONE

This construction is passive in meaning. It may describe situations where we

want someone else to do something for us.
Example:

I must get / have my hair cut.

When are you going to get that window mended?

We're having the house painted.

If the verb refers to something negative or unwanted, it has the same meaning as a passive
sentence.

Example:

Jim had his car stolen last night. (= Jim's car was stolen)

They had their roof blown off in the storm. (= Their roof was blown off in the storm)

The construction can refer to the completion of an activity, especially if a time expression is used:
Example:

We'll get the work done as soon as possible.

I'll get those letters typed before lunchtime.

In all these sentences, we are more interested in the result of the activity than
in the person or object that performs the activity.

III. PASSIVE VOICE: NEEDS DOING

In the same way, this construction has a passive meaning. The important thing in our minds is the
person or thing that will experience the action, e.g.
Example:

The ceiling needs painting (= the ceiling needs to be painted)

My hair needs cutting (= my hair needs to be cut)

EXERCISE 3
Fill the gaps with have and the verb in the correct form