B1 · 中級 チャプター 29

The Passive Voice

7 トータルルール
73 例文
6 分
このチャプターのルール クイック練習

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.

学べること

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'.

チャプターガイド

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.

重要な例文 (8)

1

English is spoken in many countries.

英語は多くの国で話されています。

受動態：行動に焦点を当てる（現在形受動態）
2

New products are launched every season.

新製品は毎シーズン発売されます。

受動態：行動に焦点を当てる（現在形受動態）
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.

助動詞と受動態：それはできる
4

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

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

助動詞と受動態：それはできる
5

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

新しい映画は素晴らしいと言われています。みんなTikTokで話題にしていますよ。

受動態：報告動詞（～と言われている）
6

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

明日のZoom会議で、CEOが重要な変更を発表すると予想されています。

受動態：報告動詞（～と言われている）
7

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

新しいカフェの抹茶ラテが一番おいしいと言われています。

客観性のための受動態：「～と言われている」
8

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

彼女はチームで最も革新的なプログラマーの一人だと信じられています。

客観性のための受動態：「～と言われている」

ヒントとコツ (4)

💡

結果に注目する

この受動態は、誰がその行動をしたかではなく、「結果」や「行動そのもの」に焦点を当てます。例えば、友達が「今日のご飯は何？」と聞いてきたら、「パスタが作られるよ」というように、「Pasta is made.」
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 受動態：行動に焦点を当てる（現在形受動態）
🎯

The 'By' Test

If you can add 'by zombies' to the end of your sentence and it still makes sense grammatically, it's a passive sentence! (e.g., 'The door must be opened... by zombies.')
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 助動詞と受動態：それはできる
💡

適切な「It」を選ぶ

誰が言ったかはっきりさせたくない時や、一般的な事実を伝えたい時は「It is said that...」を使ってみよう。「みんなが言ってることだよ」というニュアンスで使えるよ。「It is said that breakfast is the most important meal."
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 受動態：報告動詞（～と言われている）
🎯

強調したいポイントで形を選ぼう

「情報そのもの」を強調したいなら It is said that... を使い、「その人や物」を主役にしたいなら He is said to be... を選ぶと自然だよ。
He is said to be a genius.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 客観性のための受動態：「～と言われている」

重要な語彙 (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

よくある間違い

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.
正解: 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.
正解: 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.
正解: It is said that he is a hero.

このチャプターのルール (7)

1

受動態：行動に焦点を当てる（現在形受動態）

B1
この現在形受動態を使いこなすと、英語がもっと「正確」になります。特に「誰が」重要じゃない時に便利ですよ。
English is spoken in many countries.
10 例文
2

助動詞と受動態：それはできる

B1
Discuss possibilities, necessities, and obligations effortlessly by combining modals with the passive voice.
The email `can be sent` to all participants after...
12 例文
3

受動態：報告動詞（～と言われている）

B1
「報告動詞の受動態」をマスターすれば、あなたの英語はもっと「formal（丁寧）」「objective（客観的）」「nuanced（ニュアンス豊か）」に聞こえるようになるよ！
It is said that the new movie is fantastic; everyo...
12 例文
4

客観性のための受動態：「～と言われている」

B1
ニュースや公式な場で役立つ「客観的な伝え方」をマスターしよう！
It is said that
や is expected to を使えば、信頼感のある響きになります。
It is said that the new coffee shop has the best m...
12 例文
5

受動態：物事に起こること（～される、～された）

B1
受動態を使いこなせば、英語の表現が「柔軟」になり、「表現豊か」になります。特に「行動」に焦点を当てたい時に便利ですよ。
The new university building is being constructed r...
12 例文
6

過去単純受動態: 完了した行為 (～された)

B1
「過去受動態」をマスターすると、行動した人よりも「行動されたもの」に注目できるようになって、もっと自然な英語が話せるようになりますよ。「doer」から「receiver」へ「focus」を「shift」！
The email `was sent` this morning.
10 例文
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 例文

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

クイック練習 (10)

正しい形を選んで文を完成させてください。

It ___ that the new restaurant serves amazing vegan food.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: is believed
非人称受動態の「It is + 過去分詞 + that節」の形では、単数形の「It」には「is」を使い、報告動詞の過去分詞を使います。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 受動態：報告動詞（～と言われている）

文中の間違いを見つけて直してください。

Find and fix the mistake:

The books was delivered yesterday.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: The books were delivered yesterday.
主語の「books」は複数なので、「was」ではなく「were」が必要です。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 過去単純受動態: 完了した行為 (～された)

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

文中の間違いを見つけて修正してください。

Find and fix the mistake:

The actor is reported having a new role in a Netflix series.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: The actor is reported to have a new role in a Netflix series.
「Subject + is + 過去分詞 + to不定詞」の構造を使う場合、「to」の後には動詞の原形（「have」）が来なければならず、-ing形（「having」）は使いません。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 受動態：報告動詞（～と言われている）

Choose the correct passive sentence.

Which sentence is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: The car can be fixed tomorrow.
We need 'be' and the past participle 'fixed'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 助動詞と受動態：それはできる

文を完成させるのに正しい形を選んでね。

The new policy ___ expected to increase student engagement.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: is
主語の 'The new policy' は単数形なので、be動詞は 'is' を使うのが正解だよ。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 客観性のための受動態：「～と言われている」

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

Complete the sentence.

I will ___ my roof replaced next month.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: have
Will + base form.

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

正しい受動態の報告構造を使っている文を選んでください。

Choose the correct sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: It is known that climate change is a serious issue.
正しい非人称受動態の構造は「It is + 過去分詞 + that節」です。「that」という接続詞が報告された情報を導入します。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 受動態：報告動詞（～と言われている）

Choose the correct sentence.

Which sentence is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I had my hair cut.
Correct causative structure.

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

Score: /10

よくある質問 (6)

主な目的は、誰がその行動をしたかよりも、行動とその影響を受ける側を強調することです。例えば、「お皿は毎日洗われます」のように、誰がやったか不明または重要でない場合に最適です。「The dishes are washed daily.」
be動詞の正しい形（am, is, are）と、主動詞の過去分詞（V3）を組み合わせて作ります。例えば、「The emails are sent.」
Yes, in informal English you can say 'It might get done,' but 'be' is much more common and safer for B1 learners.
English doesn't allow two modals together. You can't say 'It might can be done.' Use 'It might be possible to do it' instead.
「報告動詞」とは、「say（言う）」「think（思う）」「believe（信じる）」「know（知っている）」など、誰かが言ったり思ったりしたことを伝えるために使う動詞のことだよ。受動態にすることで、元の情報源を特定せずに情報を伝えるのに役立つんだ。
この形は、情報源が一般的、不明、または重要ではない場合に使われるよ。「市場は回復すると信じられている (It is believed that the market will recover)」のように、よりフォーマルで客観的なトーンになり、報告された事実そのものに焦点を当てるんだ。
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