Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use modal passives to focus on what needs to happen rather than who is doing it.
- Combine a modal (can, must, should) with 'be' and a past participle: 'It can be fixed.'
- For negatives, place 'not' immediately after the modal: 'It cannot be fixed.'
- In questions, move the modal to the front: 'Can it be fixed?'
Overview
We are tracking your order ではなく Your order can be tracked と表示されているのを見たことはありませんか？これは「助動詞を伴う受動態」の世界です。少し堅苦しく聞こえるかもしれませんが、実は「誰が」ではなく「何が」にスポットライトを当てるための便利な表現です。能動態では「誰が」したかが重要ですが、受動態では「物事」そのものが主役になります。ここに can（できる）、must（しなければならない）、should（すべき）などの助動詞を加えることで、可能性や義務といったニュアンスをプラスできます。文章に「プロっぽい仕上げ」を施すようなものです。相手を責めずに客観的に伝えたい時や、丁寧な印象を与えたい時にぴったりです。難しく考える必要はありません。アプリでコーヒーを注文できるなら、この文法もマスターできます。How This Grammar Works
You (ヒーロー) must sign (アクション) the contract (ターゲット). でも、契約書（ターゲット）を主役にしたい場合はどうでしょう？そこで受動態の出番です。ターゲットを文の先頭に持っていきます。ヒーローは重要ではないので、しばしば消えてしまいます。助動詞を使って気持ち（許可？義務？）を表し、be を「架け橋」として置きます。最後に過去分詞（V3）を置いてアクションを完了させます。これはチームプレーです。I can fix this（私が直せる）と This can be fixed（これは直せる）の違いです。前者は自分のスキル、後者は解決策に焦点を当てています。
Formation Pattern
can, must, should など）。
be という言葉を加える（形は絶対に変わりません！）。
done, seen, written）。
The file (主語) + should (助動詞) + be (架け橋) + uploaded (V3).
not を置きます：The file should not be uploaded. 疑問文の場合は助動詞を前に出します：Should the file be uploaded? レゴブロックのように、パーツを正しい順番でつなげるだけです。
When To Use It
- 公式なルール：
Masks must be worn inside.（誰が言っているかは重要ではなく、とにかくマスクを着用してください！）。 - 指示：
The battery should be charged for 2 hours. - アプリ/SNS：
Your password can be reset here. - 丁寧なアドバイス：
This mistake could be avoided.（直接誰かを責めるより角が立ちません）。 - フォーマルな文書：
The results will be published next week.
Common Mistakes
beを忘れる：The door must closedと言ってしまう人が多いですが、間違いです！架け橋が必要です：The door must be closed.- 間違った動詞の形： 原形を使わないでください。常に過去分詞です：
It can be fixed（fixはNG）。 toとの混同：canやmustなどの助動詞にtoは不要です。It must to be doneとは言いません。- 主語の取り違え：
You can be sent the emailは「あなた自身が郵送される」という意味になってしまいます！正しくはThe email can be sent to youです。
be と過去分詞を常にチェックしましょう。Contrast With Similar Patterns
- 普通の受動態：
The cake is eaten.（現在の事実）。 - 助動詞付き受動態：
The cake can be eaten.（可能性/許可）。 - 助動詞付き能動態：
You can eat the cake.（あなたとお腹の空き具合に焦点を当てています）。
will は約束、must は厳格な命令です。Quick FAQ
誰がしたかを言うために by を使えますか？
はい！The song was written by Taylor Swift。でも、重要でない場合は省略するのが一般的です。
フォーマルな書き物だけですか？
いいえ、家庭内でもよく使われます：This needs to be cleaned（たいていため息混じりに言われます）。
can be は常に許可を意味しますか？
いいえ、可能性も意味します：It can be cold in London。
最もよく使われる助動詞は？
ルールには Should と must、テック系には can、優しい提案には could です。
就職面接で使えますか？
もちろんです！My skills can be applied to this role と言うと、とてもプロフェッショナルに聞こえます。
すべての動詞で使えますか？
いいえ、目的語のない動詞（happen や arrive など）は受動態にできません。
2. Negative Contractions
| Full Form | Contraction | Usage |
|---|---|---|
|
cannot be
|
can't be
|
Common
|
|
should not be
|
shouldn't be
|
Common
|
|
must not be
|
mustn't be
|
Common (Prohibition)
|
|
could not be
|
couldn't be
|
Common
|
|
might not be
|
mightn't be
|
Rare
|
Modal Passive Structure
| Subject (Object) | Modal Verb | Auxiliary | Past Participle (V3) | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
The work
|
can
|
be
|
done
|
The work can be done.
|
|
The work
|
must
|
be
|
done
|
The work must be done.
|
|
The work
|
should
|
be
|
done
|
The work should be done.
|
|
The work
|
might
|
be
|
done
|
The work might be done.
|
|
The work
|
could
|
be
|
done
|
The work could be done.
|
|
The work
|
may
|
be
|
done
|
The work may be done.
|
Meanings
A grammatical construction used to express necessity, possibility, or permission regarding an object when the agent (the person doing the action) is unknown, unimportant, or obvious.
Possibility and Ability
Expressing that something is possible or that an object has the potential to be acted upon.
“The stars can be seen clearly tonight.”
“This problem could be solved with more time.”
Obligation and Necessity
Expressing that an action is required or mandatory for an object.
“Seatbelts must be worn at all times.”
“The bill has to be paid by Friday.”
Advice and Suggestions
Giving recommendations about what should happen to an object.
“The fruit should be washed before eating.”
“The room ought to be painted blue.”
Reference Table
| 助動詞 | 能動態の例文 | 受動態の例文 | 意味 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
can
|
You can fix this.
|
This `can be fixed`.
|
可能性／能力
|
|
could
|
They could repair it.
|
It `could be repaired`.
|
過去の可能性／提案
|
|
should
|
You should finish the report.
|
The report `should be finished`.
|
アドバイス／推奨
|
|
must
|
We must submit the form.
|
The form `must be submitted`.
|
義務／必要性
|
|
may
|
Someone may deliver the package.
|
The package `may be delivered`.
|
公式な可能性
|
|
might
|
They might close the store.
|
The store `might be closed`.
|
不確かな可能性
|
|
will
|
The team will announce the news.
|
The news `will be announced`.
|
未来の行動（確実）
|
|
ought to
|
You ought to review the rules.
|
The rules `ought to be reviewed`.
|
強いアドバイス／推奨
|
フォーマル度スペクトル
The assignment must be completed by the end of the business day. (Workplace)
The work should be finished today. (Workplace)
This needs to be done ASAP. (Workplace)
Get this finished, yeah? (Workplace)
助動詞＋受動態
よく使う助動詞
- can 可能性／能力
- should アドバイス／推奨
- must 義務／必要性
- might/may 不確かな可能性
主な使い方
- 行動主体不明 誰がやったの？どうでもいい！
- 対象に注目 何が起こったの？（物に対して）
- フォーマルなトーン 公式発表、規則
- 丁寧な提案 穏やかなアドバイス
形成のステップ
- 主語 （受け手）
- Modal （can, shouldなど）
- be （常に'be'）
- V3 （過去分詞）
能動態 vs. 助動詞付き受動態
助動詞＋受動態はいつ使う？
行動の主体は既知ですか、それとも重要ですか？
行動やその結果を強調したいですか？
一般的なアドバイスや指示を与えていますか？
丁寧さやフォーマルさが求められますか？
助動詞付き受動態：さまざまな意味を表現
可能性／能力
- • `can be found`
- • `could be done`
- • `may be seen`
義務／必要性
- • `must be submitted`
- • `should be completed`
- • `has to be approved`
アドバイス／推奨
- • `should be reviewed`
- • `ought to be improved`
- • `could be considered`
禁止／不可能性
- • `cannot be entered`
- • `must not be touched`
- • `should not be ignored`
レベル別の例文
It can be done.
It can be done.
The door must be closed.
The door must be closed.
Can it be fixed?
Can it be fixed?
The food should be hot.
The food should be hot.
The homework must be finished today.
The homework must be finished today.
The windows should be opened.
The windows should be opened.
This book can be borrowed from the library.
This book can be borrowed from the library.
The car cannot be parked here.
The car cannot be parked here.
The package might be delivered tomorrow.
The package might be delivered tomorrow.
All applications must be submitted online.
All applications must be submitted online.
The meeting could be cancelled due to the storm.
The meeting could be cancelled due to the storm.
Should the medicine be taken with food?
Should the medicine be taken with food?
The results will be published once the data has been verified.
The results will be published once the data has been verified.
Safety regulations must be strictly adhered to.
Safety regulations must be strictly adhered to.
The project ought to be completed by the end of the quarter.
The project ought to be completed by the end of the quarter.
Can any improvements be made to the current system?
Can any improvements be made to the current system?
The implications of this policy must be carefully considered.
The implications of this policy must be carefully considered.
It could be argued that the economy is recovering.
It could be argued that the economy is recovering.
The manuscript may be viewed only with special permission.
The manuscript may be viewed only with special permission.
Such behavior will not be tolerated in this establishment.
Such behavior will not be tolerated in this establishment.
The gravity of the situation can hardly be overstated.
The gravity of the situation can hardly be overstated.
Provision must be made for future contingencies.
Provision must be made for future contingencies.
The nuances of the text might be lost in translation.
The nuances of the text might be lost in translation.
It is imperative that the confidentiality of the source be maintained.
It is imperative that the confidentiality of the source be maintained.
間違えやすい
Learners often use the active form when they mean the passive, or vice versa.
Learners forget to add the modal when they want to express necessity.
Learners try to use 'get' with modals in formal writing.
よくある間違い
It can done.
It can be done.
It must be do.
It must be done.
Can be fixed it?
Can it be fixed?
It can is done.
It can be done.
The car should be wash.
The car should be washed.
It must not be open.
It must not be opened.
Should be the door locked?
Should the door be locked?
The bill has to be pay.
The bill has to be paid.
It might be being done.
It might be done.
The work can be finish by me.
The work can be finished by me.
It must be being considered.
It must be considered.
The law should be obey.
The law should be obeyed.
文型パターン
The ___ must be ___ by ___.
It can be ___ easily.
Should the ___ be ___?
This might be ___ as a ___.
Real World Usage
All liquids must be placed in a clear plastic bag.
The shelf should be attached to the wall.
The invoice can be found in the attachment.
Your account might be suspended if you violate the rules.
The dough should be left to rise for an hour.
A new trade deal could be signed by Friday.
行動の受け手に注目する
「be」を忘れずに！
must be eaten」が正しいです。小さな「be」をいつも確認してくださいね！丁寧さ・フォーマルさアップ
must be completed」を使ってみましょう。ビジネスメールや指示、直接的な命令を避けたい場合に最適です。「It's great for professional emails, instructions, or when you want to avoid direct commands.」ニュースや学術英語で大活躍
V3形を確認する
Smart Tips
Use 'could be' or 'might be' instead of 'you should'. It sounds less like you are giving orders.
Check if the subject is 'doing' the action. If not, insert 'be' and change the verb to V3.
Remember that 'must not be' means it is forbidden, not that it isn't necessary.
Think of the modal and 'be' as a sandwich, with the subject as the filling.
発音
Weak 'be'
In the phrase 'can be done', the word 'be' is usually unstressed and very short.
Modal Stress
Modals like 'must' or 'should' are often stressed to emphasize the necessity or advice.
Rising intonation for questions
Can it be fixed? ↗
Asking for confirmation or possibility.
暗記しよう
記憶術
Remember 'MBP': Modal, Be, Participle. It's the 'Most Beautiful Pattern'!
視覚的連想
Imagine a giant robot (the Modal) holding a small bee (be) that is painting a finished checkmark (the Past Participle) on a box.
Rhyme
If a modal is what you see, just add a 'be' and a V3!
Story
A king (Modal) orders a servant (be) to complete a task (V3). The king doesn't care who the servant is, only that the task is 'done'.
Word Web
チャレンジ
Look around your room and find 3 things that 'must be done' (e.g., 'The bed must be made'). Write them down.
文化メモ
British speakers often use 'ought to be' more frequently than Americans in formal advice.
Passive modals are used to avoid direct blame. Instead of 'You must fix this', a manager says 'This must be fixed' to sound less aggressive.
Public signs in English-speaking countries rely heavily on 'must be' and 'shall be' for authority.
Modal verbs in English come from Old English 'preterite-present' verbs, which originally had different meanings (e.g., 'can' meant 'to know'). The passive construction 'be + past participle' developed later as a way to express the patient of an action.
会話のきっかけ
What is one thing in your city that should be improved?
Can your favorite dish be made at home?
What rules must be followed in your office or school?
Do you think a human colony could be built on Mars?
日記のテーマ
よくある間違い
Test Yourself
The report ______ by noon.
Find and fix the mistake:
The instructions should follow carefully.
正しい文を選びましょう：
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
Score: /4
練習問題
8 exercisesThe car ___ ___ ___ (must / repair) today.
Find and fix the mistake:
The documents can be send by email.
The windows ___ every month.
The contract ___ ___ ___.
'The problem could be solved.'
A: Can I take this book? B: No, it ___ ___ ___ to the library.
be / the / should / lights / off / turned
1. Must be done, 2. Might be done, 3. Should be done
Score: /8
Practice Bank
12 exercisesThe email ______ before sending.
New ideas must considering for the next phase.
正しい文を選びましょう：
Translate into English: 'El software puede ser actualizado esta noche.'
これらの単語を並べ替えて文を作りましょう：
フレーズを一致させましょう：
The message ______ immediately.
The documents can signed here.
正しい文を選びましょう：
Translate into English: 'No se debe tocar el objeto de arte.'
これらの単語を並べ替えて文を作りましょう：
能動態と受動態を一致させましょう：
Score: /12
よくある質問 (8)
Yes, but only in informal speech. For example, `It might get broken` is okay with friends, but in an essay, use `It might be broken`.
They follow the same rule: `The bill has to be paid` or `The law ought to be obeyed`. Just add `be + V3` after the 'to'.
Not always, but it is *more* formal than the active voice. We use it in daily life for rules and instructions.
Move the modal to the front: `Can it be done?` or `Should the room be painted?`. The `be` stays after the subject.
Yes! `The work can be done by a professional.` However, we usually use the passive when the person isn't important.
It is `must not be` (prohibition) or `doesn't have to be` (lack of necessity). Be careful with the meaning shift!
Yes! `The package will be delivered tomorrow.` It follows the exact same pattern as other modals.
Because modal verbs are always followed by the base form of a verb. The base form of 'is/am/are' is `be`.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Se puede / Debe ser
English always uses 'be', while Spanish often uses the reflexive 'se'.
Peut être / Doit être
French past participles must agree in gender and number with the subject, unlike English.
Kann ... werden
German uses 'werden' instead of 'be' and has different word order.
〜れる / 〜られる
Japanese is morphological (verb endings) while English is periphrastic (auxiliary verbs).
Passive Voice (Internal Vowels)
Arabic uses vowel changes; English uses auxiliary verbs.
被 (bèi) + Modal
Chinese has no verb conjugation or 'be' auxiliary in this context.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Learn These First
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