Voz Pasiva: Cosas que les pasan a las cosas (es hecho, fue enviado)
flexible y expresiva, especialmente cuando quieres enfocarte en las acciones.
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
The passive voice shifts focus from the person doing the action to the person or thing receiving the action.
- Use 'be' + past participle: 'The cake was eaten' (max 20 words)
- The object of the active sentence becomes the subject (max 20 words)
- Use 'by' only if the doer is important: 'by Shakespeare' (max 20 words)
Overview
Subject + Verb + Object), ya que es la forma más directa de comunicarnos. Sin embargo, dominar la pasiva es lo que separa a un estudiante de nivel intermedio de uno avanzado. En español, a menudo usamos la 'pasiva refleja' con el pronombre 'se' (ej.Se venden casas), pero en inglés, la estructura es distinta y depende totalmente del verbo to be. Aprender esto te ayudará a sonar más profesional y objetivo en contextos como el trabajo, las noticias o descripciones técnicas. No se trata de evitar al sujeto, sino de darle importancia a lo que realmente importa en tu mensaje.The report was sent, en lugar de decir I sent the report. La primera opción suena más enfocada en el resultado, lo cual es muy útil cuando quieres ser diplomático o simplemente resaltar que la tarea está lista.to be + past participle (participio pasado).The chef prepared the meal, the meal es el objeto. En la pasiva, decimos The meal was prepared by the chef.to be debe conjugarse exactamente en el mismo tiempo que el verbo principal de la oración activa. Si la acción ocurrió en el pasado, usamos was o were.is o are.-ed para verbos regulares (ej. walked, cleaned), pero debemos tener mucho cuidado con los verbos irregulares (written, broken, seen).Se habla inglés, no podemos decir Is spoken English. Debemos decir English is spoken.English es el sujeto que recibe la acción de ser hablado. Esta estructura es la que permite que el inglés suene tan preciso y directo en entornos académicos o profesionales.Subject + to be + Past Participle + (optional: by + agent).- 1Presente:
The coffee is served hot.(El café se sirve caliente). - 2Pasado:
The project was finished yesterday.(El proyecto fue terminado ayer).
by. The letter was written by my boss. Si el agente no es importante, simplemente lo omitimos: The office was painted.My car was repaired (no importa quién lo arregló, lo importante es que ya funciona).- 1Cuando no sabemos quién hizo la acción:
My phone was stolen!(Alguien lo robó, pero no sé quién). En español diríamos 'Me robaron el teléfono', pero en inglés la pasiva es la forma estándar de expresar esta pérdida de control sobre la situación. - 2Para sonar más profesional: En un correo electrónico de trabajo,
The meeting was cancelledsuena más objetivo queI cancelled the meeting. - 3Descripciones de procesos: Si estás explicando cómo funciona Netflix o cómo se hace un café en una máquina, usarás la pasiva constantemente:
The data is processed,The beans are ground. - 4Evitar la responsabilidad directa: Es una técnica diplomática. Decir
Mistakes were made(Se cometieron errores) es una forma clásica de no señalar a nadie directamente, muy común en política o en situaciones de oficina complicadas.
- 1Olvidar el verbo
to be: Muchos hispanohablantes dicenThe house built in 1990en lugar deThe house was built in 1990. Esto ocurre porque en español el participio puede funcionar como adjetivo, pero en inglés, para formar la voz pasiva, el verboto bees obligatorio. - 2Confundir el pasado simple con el participio: Es muy común escuchar
The window was brokeen lugar deThe window was broken. El error viene de pensar que el pasado simple del verbo es igual al participio. Debes memorizar la lista de verbos irregulares. - 3Uso excesivo de la pasiva: A veces, por querer sonar 'formales', los estudiantes abusan de la pasiva. Si puedes decir
I wrote the book, no digasThe book was written by me. La voz activa es más natural y directa. Úsala cuando realmente necesites cambiar el enfoque, no por defecto.
- 1¿Siempre tengo que incluir 'by'? No, de hecho, la mayoría de las veces se omite. Solo úsalo si la identidad de quien hizo la acción es información nueva y necesaria.
- 2¿Puedo usar la pasiva en cualquier tiempo verbal? Sí, puedes usarla en presente, pasado, futuro e incluso con verbos modales (
The work must be done), pero empieza dominando el presente y el pasado simple. - 3¿Cómo sé si un verbo es irregular? No hay atajo, debes estudiar la lista de participios. Es un esfuerzo que vale la pena para evitar errores como 'was goed' o 'was writed'.
- 4¿Por qué es tan importante para el nivel B1? Porque en este nivel ya debes ser capaz de escribir informes, describir procesos de trabajo y contar historias con mayor complejidad. La pasiva te da esa elegancia extra.
2. Negative Contractions
| Full Form | Contraction | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
is not
|
isn't
|
The car isn't washed.
|
|
are not
|
aren't
|
The cars aren't washed.
|
|
was not
|
wasn't
|
The car wasn't washed.
|
|
were not
|
weren't
|
The cars weren't washed.
|
Passive Voice Tense Formation
| Tense | Subject | To Be | Past Participle | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Present Simple
|
The car
|
is
|
washed
|
The car is washed.
|
|
Present Simple
|
The cars
|
are
|
washed
|
The cars are washed.
|
|
Past Simple
|
The car
|
was
|
washed
|
The car was washed.
|
|
Past Simple
|
The cars
|
were
|
washed
|
The cars were washed.
|
|
Present Continuous
|
The car
|
is being
|
washed
|
The car is being washed.
|
|
Present Perfect
|
The car
|
has been
|
washed
|
The car has been washed.
|
|
Future (Will)
|
The car
|
will be
|
washed
|
The car will be washed.
|
|
Modals
|
The car
|
must be
|
washed
|
The car must be washed.
|
Meanings
A grammatical construction where the subject is the recipient of the action rather than the performer.
Unknown Agent
Used when we don't know who performed the action.
“My bike was stolen last night.”
“The window was broken while I was out.”
Obvious Agent
Used when the performer of the action is so obvious it doesn't need mentioning.
“The thief was arrested.”
“The crops are harvested in autumn.”
Formal/Scientific Objectivity
Used to sound objective and professional by removing the 'I' or 'We'.
“The chemicals were mixed in a beaker.”
“The results were analyzed carefully.”
Reference Table
| Tiempo Verbal | Sujeto | Verbo 'to be' | Participio Pasado | Ejemplo |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Present Simple
|
The report
|
is
|
written
|
The report *is written* daily.
|
|
Present Simple
|
These apps
|
are
|
downloaded
|
These apps *are downloaded* by millions.
|
|
Past Simple
|
The message
|
was
|
sent
|
The message *was sent* an hour ago.
|
|
Past Simple
|
The decisions
|
were
|
made
|
The decisions *were made* quickly.
|
|
Present Simple
|
My coffee
|
is
|
brewed
|
My coffee *is brewed* fresh every morning.
|
|
Past Simple
|
Our car
|
was
|
repaired
|
Our car *was repaired* by a local mechanic.
|
Espectro de formalidad
The requested documentation has been processed. (Workplace)
The paperwork was finished this morning. (Workplace)
The forms are all done. (Workplace)
It's all sorted, mate. (Workplace)
La Voz Pasiva: Las cosas le pasan a las cosas
Formación
- verbo 'to be' ej., is, are, was, were
- Participio Pasado ej., written, made, sent
- 'by' opcional quién lo hizo
Cuándo Usar
- Agente Desconocido ej., My wallet was stolen.
- Agente Poco Importante ej., The road is being repaired.
- Foco en la Acción ej., News was reported.
- Contextos Formales ej., Rules are enforced.
Errores Comunes
- Falta el 'be' ej., 'The book read.'
- Forma incorrecta de 'be' ej., 'They was told.'
- Forma verbal incorrecta ej., 'The cake was ate.'
Voz Activa vs. Voz Pasiva
¿Debo usar la Voz Pasiva?
¿Se conoce y es importante el 'agente' de la acción?
¿Quieres enfocarte en la acción o en la cosa que recibe la acción?
Situaciones de Voz Pasiva
Noticias e Informes
- • 'It was reported that...'
- • Discoveries are made
- • Events are announced
Procesos e Instrucciones
- • Ingredients are mixed
- • Steps are followed
- • Products are manufactured
Cuando el Agente es Desconocido/Poco Importante
- • My keys were found.
- • Mistakes were made.
- • The window was broken.
Diplomacia y Objetividad
- • Decisions were taken.
- • Issues are addressed.
- • Policies are developed.
Ejemplos por nivel
The car is washed.
The car is washed.
The pizza is eaten.
The pizza is eaten.
The windows are closed.
The windows are closed.
The book was lost.
The book was lost.
The house was built in 2010.
The house was built in 2010.
These shoes are made in Italy.
These shoes are made in Italy.
The thief was caught by the police.
The thief was caught by the police.
Was the homework finished?
Was the homework finished?
The application was rejected because it was late.
The application was rejected because it was late.
The meeting is held in the main hall every Friday.
The meeting is held in the main hall every Friday.
Many languages are spoken in this city.
Many languages are spoken in this city.
The bridge was damaged during the storm.
The bridge was damaged during the storm.
The suspect is being questioned by the detectives now.
The suspect is being questioned by the detectives now.
The project should have been completed last week.
The project should have been completed last week.
It is believed that the company is facing bankruptcy.
It is believed that the company is facing bankruptcy.
The data was collected over a six-month period.
The data was collected over a six-month period.
The decision was made with the utmost care.
The decision was made with the utmost care.
Rarely is such a discovery made in this field.
Rarely is such a discovery made in this field.
The building is said to be haunted.
The building is said to be haunted.
He was given a standing ovation after his speech.
He was given a standing ovation after his speech.
The proposal was met with considerable skepticism.
The proposal was met with considerable skepticism.
Provision was made for the possibility of a delay.
Provision was made for the possibility of a delay.
The artifacts are thought to have been smuggled out of the country.
The artifacts are thought to have been smuggled out of the country.
No effort was spared in the search for survivors.
No effort was spared in the search for survivors.
Fácil de confundir
Learners confuse 'The window was broken (by someone)' with 'The window was broken (state/adjective)'.
Learners confuse 'is done' with 'has done'.
Some verbs look active but feel passive, like 'The book sells well'.
Errores comunes
The cake eaten.
The cake was eaten.
The car is wash.
The car is washed.
I was borned in London.
I was born in London.
The window broke by me.
The window was broken by me.
The letters was sent.
The letters were sent.
The book written by him.
The book was written by him.
Is the dinner cook?
Is the dinner cooked?
The house was builded in 1990.
The house was built in 1990.
It was happened yesterday.
It happened yesterday.
The work is being do.
The work is being done.
The car was got stolen.
The car was stolen / The car got stolen.
He is said to have been went.
He is said to have gone.
The problem was explained me.
The problem was explained to me.
Patrones de oraciones
The ___ was ___ in ___.
___ are ___ every day.
It is ___ that ___.
The ___ hasn't been ___ yet.
Real World Usage
Thousands of homes destroyed by flood.
Made in Vietnam. Batteries not included.
The flight has been delayed.
The eggs are beaten until fluffy.
I was given the 'Employee of the Month' award.
My bike got stolen! :(
¡Encuentra el verbo 'to be'!
is, are, was, were) seguida de un participio pasado. Si no ves 'be', probablemente no es pasiva. Es como encontrar a Wally, ¡pero para la gramática! Por ejemplo: The book is read daily.
¡No olvides los participios pasados!
make - made, eat - eaten). No uses la forma del pasado simple por error, o tu frase sonará un poco rara, como una canción con la letra equivocada. Por ejemplo, no digas The cake was ate, sino:
The cake was eaten.
Prueba: ¿Activa o Pasiva?
doer no importa: The decision was made.
¡El Contexto es Rey!
The road is being repaired.
¿Quién es la estrella?
The prize was won by her.
Smart Tips
Use the passive to avoid sounding like you are blaming someone.
Check if it's an adjective or a passive verb by trying to add 'by someone'.
Don't say 'Someone...'. Use the passive voice instead.
Use the present simple passive to focus on the steps.
Pronunciación
Stress on Participle
In passive sentences, the main stress usually falls on the past participle, not the 'be' verb.
Weak 'was'
The word 'was' is usually unstressed and pronounced as /wəz/.
Falling intonation for statements
The bridge was built in 1890. ↘
Conveys a completed fact.
Memorízalo
Mnemotecnia
BE + V3 = Passive for me! (Be verb + Past Participle).
Asociación visual
Imagine a robot being built in a factory. We don't see the workers, only the robot (the object) moving through the stages of being 'made', 'painted', and 'shipped'.
Rhyme
When the doer is a mystery, use the passive for history!
Story
A man wakes up and finds his car is gone. He tells the police, 'My car was stolen!' He doesn't say 'A thief stole it' because he didn't see the thief. The car is the star of his story.
Word Web
Desafío
Look around your room. Find 5 things and say how they were made or where they were bought using the passive voice (e.g., 'This lamp was bought in IKEA').
Notas culturales
The passive voice is the 'bread and butter' of news. It allows reporters to remain neutral and avoid blaming individuals before a trial.
In Western universities, using 'I' in a science paper is often discouraged. The passive voice is used to make the research seem universal and objective.
Contracts use the passive to define obligations without naming specific employees, focusing on the company as an entity.
The English passive voice evolved from Old English, which used 'weorthan' (to become) or 'beon' (to be) with a participle.
Inicios de conversación
Where was your favorite piece of clothing made?
Have you ever had something stolen?
What is a famous building in your city? When was it built?
How are traditional holidays celebrated in your country?
Temas para diario
Errores comunes
Test Yourself
The new update ___ on all devices yesterday afternoon.
Find and fix the mistake:
The message send to everyone in the group chat.
Choose the correct sentence:
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
Score: /4
Ejercicios de practica
8 exercisesThe Mona Lisa ___ (paint) by Leonardo da Vinci.
Choose the correct option:
Find and fix the mistake:
The windows are clean every Saturday.
Passive form:
You can use the passive voice with the verb 'to sleep'.
A: Why is the road closed? B: An accident ___ (report) ten minutes ago.
Which of these is passive?
Write -> ?
Score: /8
Practice Bank
12 exercisesAll assignments ___ online by midnight on Sunday.
The latest episode released last night.
Which sentence is correct?
Translate into English: 'Das Museum wird gerade renoviert.'
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Match the subjects with the correct passive verb forms:
The data ___ carefully analyzed before making a decision.
Many applications submitted for the new role.
Which sentence is correct?
Translate into English: 'Neue Produkte werden oft in sozialen Medien beworben.'
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Match the beginnings with their correct endings:
Score: /12
Preguntas frecuentes (8)
Avoid it when the 'doer' is important or when you want to be direct and energetic. 'I love you' is much better than 'You are loved by me'!
No! In fact, we omit 'by' in about 80% of passive sentences because the doer is unknown or obvious.
'Was broken' is standard and neutral. 'Got broken' is informal and often implies the event was accidental or unfortunate.
Yes! Use 'will be' + V3. For example: 'The results will be published tomorrow.'
No, but overusing it can make writing sound dry or evasive. Use it when the focus truly belongs on the object.
Swap the subject and the 'be' verb. 'The car was fixed' becomes 'Was the car fixed?'
Only transitive verbs (verbs that take an object) can be passive. You can't say 'The bed was slept' because 'sleep' doesn't have an object.
Yes! In English, being born is something that happens to you, so we always use the passive form.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Voz pasiva (ser + participio) / Pasiva refleja (se)
English uses the passive much more frequently than Spanish in everyday speech.
La voix passive (être + participe passé)
French participles change endings (e.g., mangé vs mangée); English ones never do.
Passiv (werden + Partizip II)
German uses 'become' (werden) as the auxiliary, while English uses 'be'.
受身 (ukemi)
Japanese uses a suffix on the main verb; English uses an auxiliary verb.
المبني للمجهول (al-mabni lil-majhul)
Arabic uses vowel shifts within the verb; English uses 'be' + V3.
被字句 (bèi zì jù)
Chinese 'bèi' is a particle, not a verb conjugation, and often carries a negative connotation.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
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