B1 · Intermedio Capítulo 29

The Passive Voice

7 Reglas totales
73 ejemplos
6 min
Reglas en este capítulo Práctica rápida

Chapter in 30 Seconds

Shift the focus from who did the action to what happened to the object.

  • Form the passive voice using 'be' and past participles.
  • Use reporting verbs to sound objective and professional.
  • Arrange services using the 'have something done' structure.
Master the art of objective and professional English.

Lo que aprenderás

Ever wonder how to report news or talk about actions without naming names? This chapter will help you master the passive voice, so you can confidently use phrases like

It is said that...
and sound more natural. Get ready to add polish to your English!

Learning Objectives

By the end of this chapter, you will be able to:

  1. 1
    By the end you will be able to: Describe manufacturing processes using the Present Simple Passive.
  2. 2
    By the end you will be able to: Report rumors or general beliefs using 'It is said that...'
  3. 3
    By the end you will be able to: Talk about historical events and completed actions using the Past Simple Passive.
  4. 4
    By the end you will be able to: Explain services you've arranged, like repairs or haircuts, using 'have something done'.

Guía del capítulo

Overview

Mastering English the passive voice is a crucial step for B1 English grammar learners looking to communicate with greater nuance and professionalism. Often, in English, we want to talk about actions or events without necessarily focusing on *who* performed them. Perhaps the doer is unknown, unimportant, or you simply want to keep the report objective.
This chapter is your comprehensive guide to understanding and using this powerful grammatical tool effectively.
You'll learn how to construct sentences where the action or the receiver of the action takes center stage, moving beyond simple active constructions. This includes describing regular habits or facts using the Present Simple Passive, like how products are manufactured. We'll also explore how to use reporting verbs such as
It is said that...
to share news or rumors objectively, focusing on the information itself rather than the speaker.
By the end of this chapter, you'll be able to confidently discuss
things happening to things,
report on completed actions using the Past Simple Passive, and even integrate modal verbs to express possibility or necessity in the passive form, such as
It can be done.
Get ready to add significant polish and professionalism to your English conversations and writing!

How This Grammar Works

At its heart, the passive voice shifts the focus of a sentence from the doer of an action to the receiver or the action itself. Instead of
John built the house,
we might say
The house was built by John
(focus on house) or simply
The house was built
(if John is unimportant). The basic structure is: object + be (conjugated) + past participle.
Let's start with the basics. For routine actions or facts, we use the Present Simple Passive. For example,
Coffee is grown in Brazil
focuses on the coffee, not the farmer.
When we want to include modal verbs to express ability, necessity, or possibility, we combine the modal with 'be' and the past participle:
The report must be submitted by Friday.
Here, the report is the focus of the action, even if we don't know who submits it.
Then, there are those handy reporting verbs like 'say,' 'believe,' 'report.' These are fantastic for sharing information objectively. Instead of People say that..., you can use
It is said that the new policy will be announced soon.
This structure makes the information, not the source, the star. Similarly, for past actions where the result is more important, the Past Simple Passive comes into play:
The ancient city was discovered by archaeologists last century.
Notice how
things happening to things
often leads to passive usage, like
The car was manufactured in Germany
or
The package was sent last week.
It's all about emphasizing the action or the object experiencing it.

Common Mistakes

  1. 1Forgetting 'be' or using the wrong form of 'be'.
✗ The car repaired yesterday.
✓ The car was repaired yesterday.
*Explanation: The auxiliary verb 'be' (is, am, are, was, were, been) is essential for forming the passive voice. Without it, the sentence is grammatically incomplete.*
  1. 1Using the base form or -ing form instead of the past participle.
✗ The decisions must be make quickly.
✓ The decisions must be made quickly.
*Explanation: The main verb in a passive construction must always be in its past participle form (third form), not the base form or -ing form.*
  1. 1Overusing the passive voice when the active is more natural.
✗ The ball was kicked by the boy. The goal was scored by him.
✓ The boy kicked the ball and scored the goal.
*Explanation: While useful, the passive voice shouldn't replace the active voice when the doer is clear and the active voice sounds more direct and engaging. Use it when the doer is unknown, unimportant, or you want objectivity.*

Real Conversations

1.

A

A

Have you heard about the new library opening?
B

B

Oh, yes! It is said that it will be opened next month. The final touches are being added now.

2.

A

A

My bike isn't working. I think the chain is broken.
B

B

That's a shame. It can be fixed, though. Maybe you should take it to a shop?
A

A

Yeah, it was bought second-hand, so it probably needs some maintenance.

3.

A

A

How was your trip to Rome?
B

B

It was amazing! The Colosseum was built thousands of years ago, and it's still so impressive. All the ancient ruins are protected by the government.

Quick FAQ

Q

When should I use the passive voice in English?

You should use the passive voice when the action itself or the receiver of the action is more important than the person or thing performing it. It’s also great for being objective, formal, or when the doer is unknown, as in

The window was broken.

Q

What's the main difference between active and passive voice?

In the active voice, the subject *performs* the action (e.g.,

The chef cooks the meal
). In the passive voice, the subject *receives* the action (e.g.,
The meal is cooked by the chef
). The focus of the sentence changes!

Q

How do I form the passive voice in English?

The basic structure for the passive voice is to be verb (conjugated) + past participle of the main verb. For example, for write, it becomes

is written
(Present Simple),
was written
(Past Simple), or
will be written
(Future Simple).

Q

Is the passive voice always formal?

Not always, but it does tend to sound more formal or academic, especially reporting passive structures like

It is believed that...
. However, it's also common in everyday speech when the doer is irrelevant or obvious, like
My car was stolen
or
Dinner is being prepared.

Cultural Context

Native English speakers use the passive voice frequently, often unconsciously, especially in formal writing like news reports, scientific papers, or official announcements. Think
The new law was passed yesterday
or
Experiments are conducted carefully.
In everyday informal conversation, it's also common when the doer is obvious or unimportant, for example,
My phone was stolen!
or
Dinner is being prepared.
While regional differences might affect specific vocabulary, the core uses of the passive voice remain consistent across most English-speaking regions.

Ejemplos clave (8)

1

English is spoken in many countries.

El inglés se habla en muchos países.

La voz pasiva: enfoque en las acciones (pasiva en presente simple)
2

New products are launched every season.

Se lanzan nuevos productos cada temporada.

La voz pasiva: enfoque en las acciones (pasiva en presente simple)
3

The email `can be sent` to all participants after the final review.

El correo electrónico puede ser enviado a todos los participantes después de la revisión final.

Voz Pasiva con Modales: Se Puede Hacer
4

Important announcements `should be posted` on the student portal regularly.

Los anuncios importantes deberían ser publicados en el portal estudiantil regularmente.

Voz Pasiva con Modales: Se Puede Hacer
5

It is said that the new movie is fantastic; everyone's talking about it on TikTok.

Se dice que la nueva película es fantástica; todo el mundo está hablando de ella en TikTok.

Voz Pasiva: Verbos de Reporte (Se dice que...)
6

The CEO is expected to announce significant changes during the Zoom meeting tomorrow.

Se espera que el CEO anuncie cambios significativos durante la reunión de Zoom de mañana.

Voz Pasiva: Verbos de Reporte (Se dice que...)
7

It is said that the new coffee shop has the best matcha lattes.

Se dice que la nueva cafetería tiene los mejores lattes de matcha.

Voz Pasiva para la Objetividad: 'Se dice que...'
8

She is believed to be one of the most innovative programmers on the team.

Se cree que ella es una de las programadoras más innovadoras del equipo.

Voz Pasiva para la Objetividad: 'Se dice que...'

Consejos y trucos (4)

💡

Concéntrate en el resultado

La Voz Pasiva enfatiza el *resultado* o la *acción*, no a quién la hizo. Pregúntate: ¿Es importante quién hizo esto? Si no, la pasiva es tu aliada.
The decision is made.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: La voz pasiva: enfoque en las acciones (pasiva en presente simple)
💡

Piensa en 'Quién Hace' vs 'Quién Recibe'

Si el sujeto de la frase no *hace* la acción, ¡probablemente es pasiva! Tu objeto se convierte en el centro. "If the sentence's subject isn't *doing* the action, it's likely passive! Your object becomes the focus."
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Voz Pasiva con Modales: Se Puede Hacer
💡

Elige bien tu 'it'

Recuerda usar 'It is said that...' cuando quieres una declaración general o no quieres mencionar la fuente. Es como un la gente dice universal.
It is said that practice makes perfect.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Voz Pasiva: Verbos de Reporte (Se dice que...)
🎯

Elige bien tu patrón

Si quieres destacar la *información* en sí, usa 'It is said that...'. Si prefieres que la *persona o cosa* sobre la que se reporta sea el sujeto, elige 'He is said to be...'. Ambos son correctos, pero uno fluirá mejor en tu frase. Por ejemplo:
It is said that the movie is fantastic.
o
The movie is said to be fantastic.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Voz Pasiva para la Objetividad: 'Se dice que...'

Vocabulario clave (6)

manufacture to make something on a large scale using machinery rumor a story or statement in general circulation without confirmation service to maintain or repair a vehicle or machine claim to state that something is the case, typically without proof deliver to bring and hand over a letter, package, or goods renovate to restore something old to a good state of repair

Real-World Preview

tv

At the Local News Station

heart

Getting Ready for a Wedding

Review Summary

  • Subject + am/is/are + Past Participle
  • Subject + was/were + Past Participle
  • Subject + have + object + Past Participle

Errores comunes

Many learners forget the verb 'to be'. Without 'was' or 'is', it's just a participle, not a full passive verb.

Wrong: The cake made by my mom.
Correcto: The cake was made by my mom.

If you say 'I had cut my hair', it means you did it yourself (Past Perfect). Use 'have + object + participle' for services.

Wrong: I had cut my hair.
Correcto: I had my hair cut.

Reporting verbs in the passive must always be in the past participle form (said, thought, believed), not the base form.

Wrong: It is say that he is a hero.
Correcto: It is said that he is a hero.

Reglas en este capítulo (7)

1

La voz pasiva: enfoque en las acciones (pasiva en presente simple)

B1
Dominar la Voz Pasiva en Presente Simple hace tu inglés más 'preciso', especialmente cuando no importa 'quién' hace la acción.
English is spoken in many countries.
10 ejemplos
2

Voz Pasiva con Modales: Se Puede Hacer

B1
Habla de posibilidades, necesidades y obligaciones sin esfuerzo combinando modales con la voz pasiva. ¡Tienes tres herramientas mágicas: modal, be, y past participle!
The email `can be sent` to all participants after...
12 ejemplos
3

Voz Pasiva: Verbos de Reporte (Se dice que...)

B1
Dominar los verbos de reporte pasivos hace tu inglés sonar más formal, objetivo y con más matices.
It is said that the new movie is fantastic; everyo...
12 ejemplos
4

Voz Pasiva para la Objetividad: 'Se dice que...'

B1
¡Con estas frases, sonarás objetivo y pulido, como un presentador de noticias! Es tu arma secreta para el reporting y la objectivity.
It is said that the new coffee shop has the best m...
12 ejemplos
5

Voz Pasiva: Cosas que les pasan a las cosas (es hecho, fue enviado)

B1
Dominar la voz pasiva hará tu inglés más flexible y expresiva, especialmente cuando quieres enfocarte en las acciones.
The new university building is being constructed r...
12 ejemplos
6

Pasiva Simple en Pasado: Acciones Completadas (fue/fueron hecho/a/s)

B1
Domina el Pasado Simple Pasivo para cambiar el foco del quién al qué y sonar más natural en inglés. ¡Was y were son claves!
The email `was sent` this morning.
10 ejemplos
7

Have Something Done: Arranging for Someone Else to Do It

B1
Have something done means you arrange for someone else to do something for you. Structure: have + object + past participle. It is NOT the same as doing it yourself.
5 ejemplos

Next Steps

You've just leveled up your English significantly! The passive voice is a hallmark of the B1 level. Keep practicing, and you'll be sounding like a native speaker in no time.

Read a news article and highlight every passive sentence you find.

Describe your morning routine as a process: 'The coffee is brewed, the mail is checked...'

Continue to: The Second Conditional

Práctica rápida (10)

Encuentra y corrige el error en la oración.

Find and fix the mistake:

It believed that laughter is the best medicine.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: It is believed that laughter is the best medicine.
La construcción pasiva requiere una forma de 'be' antes del participio pasado. 'Is believed' forma correctamente el presente simple pasivo.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Voz Pasiva para la Objetividad: 'Se dice que...'

Elige la forma correcta para completar la oración.

The new policy ___ expected to increase student engagement.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: is
El sujeto 'The new policy' es singular, por lo que requiere la forma singular de 'be', que es 'is'. La estructura es 'It is expected that...' o 'Subject is expected to...'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Voz Pasiva para la Objetividad: 'Se dice que...'

Elige la forma correcta del verbo para la voz pasiva.

The famous painting ___ last night.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: was stolen
El sujeto 'painting' es singular, por lo que usamos 'was'. El participio pasado de 'steal' es 'stolen'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Pasiva Simple en Pasado: Acciones Completadas (fue/fueron hecho/a/s)

Find the mistake.

Find and fix the mistake:

I had my house paint.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I had my house painted.
Need past participle.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Have Something Done: Arranging for Someone Else to Do It

Encuentra y corrige el error en la frase.

Find and fix the mistake:

The report should be write by Friday.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: The report should be written by Friday.
El verbo principal en la voz pasiva debe estar en su forma de participio pasado. El participio pasado de 'write' es 'written'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Voz Pasiva con Modales: Se Puede Hacer

Select the best option.

She ___ her nails done every week.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: has
Every week indicates present simple.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Have Something Done: Arranging for Someone Else to Do It

Correct the sentence.

Find and fix the mistake:

He had his wallet steal.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: He had his wallet stolen.
Past participle required.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Have Something Done: Arranging for Someone Else to Do It

¿Qué frase usa correctamente el 'Past Simple Passive'?

Choose the correct sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: The project was completed on time.
El sujeto 'project' es singular, requiriendo 'was', y 'completed' es el participio pasado correcto.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Pasiva Simple en Pasado: Acciones Completadas (fue/fueron hecho/a/s)

¿Qué frase usa correctamente la voz pasiva?

Choose the correct sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: My laptop was repaired last week.
La forma pasiva correcta requiere 'was' (forma de 'to be') y 'repaired' (participio pasado).

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Voz Pasiva: Cosas que les pasan a las cosas (es hecho, fue enviado)

Encuentra y corrige el error en la frase.

Find and fix the mistake:

The new rules announcing today.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: The new rules are announced today.
El sujeto rules es plural, así que necesita are. El participio pasado de announce es announced.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: La voz pasiva: enfoque en las acciones (pasiva en presente simple)

Score: /10

Preguntas frecuentes (6)

Su propósito principal es destacar la acción y el que recibe la acción, más que la persona o cosa que la realiza. Es genial cuando el 'agente' es desconocido o poco importante, como en:
The dishes are washed daily
.
Se forma con la forma correcta del verbo 'to be' ('am', 'is' o 'are') seguido del 'participio pasado' (V3) del verbo principal. Por ejemplo:
The emails are sent
.
Se trata de combinar un verbo modal (como 'can', 'should', 'must') con la estructura de la voz pasiva (be + past participle) para hablar de acciones donde el 'agente' es desconocido, poco importante o obvio. El foco está en la acción o en quien recibe la acción, como en 'The work must be completed.'
La usas cuando la acción misma, o el objeto que recibe la acción, es más importante que quién la realiza. También hace que el lenguaje sea más formal, objetivo o educado. Por ejemplo, 'The announcement will be made soon' es menos directo que 'Someone will make the announcement soon'.
Son verbos como 'say', 'think', 'believe', 'know', etc., que usamos para contar lo que alguien más dijo o pensó. En voz pasiva, nos ayudan a reportar información sin decir quién fue la fuente original. Por ejemplo, "People say you're a great dancer".
Esta estructura se usa cuando la fuente de la información es general, desconocida o no importante. Le da un tono más formal y objetivo, poniendo el foco en el hecho reportado. Piensa en
It is believed that the market will recover
.
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