B1 · 중급 챕터 29

The Passive Voice

7 총 규칙
73 예문
6 분
이 챕터의 규칙 빠른 연습

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.

배울 내용

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'.

챕터 가이드

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.

주요 예문 (8)

1

English is spoken in many countries.

많은 나라에서 영어가 사용돼요.

수동태: 동작에 초점 (현재 단순 수동태)
2

New products are launched every season.

매 시즌 새로운 제품들이 출시돼요.

수동태: 동작에 초점 (현재 단순 수동태)
3

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

최종 검토 후에 모든 참가자에게 이메일을 보낼 수 있습니다.

조동사와 수동태: 그것은 될 수 있다
4

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

중요한 공지사항은 학생 포털에 정기적으로 게시되어야 합니다.

조동사와 수동태: 그것은 될 수 있다
5

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

새 영화가 정말 좋다고들 해요. 틱톡에서 모두 그 영화에 대해 이야기하고 있거든요.

수동태: 보고 동사 (…라고 전해진다)
6

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

CEO는 내일 줌 회의에서 중요한 변화를 발표할 것으로 예상돼요.

수동태: 보고 동사 (…라고 전해진다)
7

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

새로 생긴 카페에 말차 라떼가 제일 맛있다고 해요.

객관성을 위한 수동태: '...라고 한다'
8

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

그녀는 팀에서 가장 혁신적인 프로그래머 중 한 명으로 여겨져요.

객관성을 위한 수동태: '...라고 한다'

팁과 요령 (4)

💡

결과에 집중하기

수동태 현재형은 누가 행동했는지보다 *결과*나 *행동 자체*를 강조해요. "Is the 'doer' important here?" 누가 했는지가 중요하지 않다면 수동태를 쓰는 게 좋아요.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 수동태: 동작에 초점 (현재 단순 수동태)
💡

'하는 주체'와 '받는 대상'을 생각해보세요!

문장의 주어가 동작을 '하는' 게 아니라 '받는' 거라면, 그건 수동태일 가능성이 높아요! 행동을 받는 대상이 중요해지죠.
The letter was received by me.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 조동사와 수동태: 그것은 될 수 있다
💡

올바른 'it'을 선택하세요

누가 말했는지 정확히 밝히지 않고 일반적인 사실이나 의견을 말할 때 'It is said that...'를 사용하세요. 마치 '다들 그렇게 말해'라고 하는 것과 같아요. 예를 들어, 'It is said that hard work pays off.'
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 수동태: 보고 동사 (…라고 전해진다)
🎯

표현 방식을 현명하게 선택해요

정보 자체를 강조하고 싶다면
It is said that...
을, 보고되는 사람이나 사물을 주어로 내세우고 싶다면
He is said to be...
를 사용해요. 둘 다 맞지만, 상황에 따라 더 자연스러운 표현이 있어요. 예를 들어,
It is said that the new movie is fantastic.
또는
The new movie is said to be fantastic.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 객관성을 위한 수동태: '...라고 한다'

핵심 어휘 (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

자주 하는 실수

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

이 챕터의 규칙 (7)

1

수동태: 동작에 초점 (현재 단순 수동태)

B1
수동태 현재형을 잘 쓰면 영어 문장이 더 «정확»해지고, 누가 했는지 «누가 중요하지 않을 때» 특히 유용해요.
English is spoken in many countries.
10 예문
2

조동사와 수동태: 그것은 될 수 있다

B1
조동사 수동태로 «가능성», «필요성», «의무»를 아주 자연스럽게 말할 수 있어요!
The email `can be sent` to all participants after...
12 예문
3

수동태: 보고 동사 (…라고 전해진다)

B1
보고 동사 수동태를 잘 사용하면 영어가 훨씬 더 «격식 있고», «객관적이며», «세련되게» 들릴 거예요.
It is said that the new movie is fantastic; everyo...
12 예문
4

객관성을 위한 수동태: '...라고 한다'

B1
뉴스 앵커처럼 객관적이고 세련되게 정보를 전달하고 싶을 때, 이 수동태 표현을 마스터해 보세요! 정말 유용할 거예요.
It is said that the new coffee shop has the best m...
12 예문
5

수동태: 사물에 일어나는 일 (만들어지다, 보내지다)

B1
수동태를 잘 활용하면 영어 표현이 훨씬 유연하고 풍부해져요. 특히 행동 자체에 초점을 맞출 때 좋아요. 'Action focus', 'flexible English'.
The new university building is being constructed r...
12 예문
6

과거 단순 수동태: 완료된 행동 (되었다/되었었다)

B1
과거 수동태는 누가 했는지보다 «행동을 받은 것»에 초점을 맞춰서 말할 때 유용해요. 더 자연스러운 «표현»을 위한 중요한 «문법»이에요.
The email `was sent` this morning.
10 예문
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 예문

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

빠른 연습 (10)

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

문장을 완성하기 위해 올바른 형태를 선택하세요.

It ___ that the new restaurant serves amazing vegan food.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: is believed
비인칭 수동태 구조 'It is + 과거분사 + that-절'에서는 단수 'It'에 'is'를 사용하고, 보고 동사의 과거분사를 사용해요.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 수동태: 보고 동사 (…라고 전해진다)

문장을 완성하는 올바른 수동태 형태를 고르세요.

The new update ___ on all devices yesterday afternoon.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: was rolled out
주어 'update'는 단수이고, 행동은 '어제 오후' (과거 시제)에 일어났으므로 'was rolled out'이 정답이에요.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 수동태: 사물에 일어나는 일 (만들어지다, 보내지다)

올바르게 수동태를 사용한 문장을 고르세요.

Choose the correct sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: My laptop was repaired last week.
올바른 수동태는 'was' ('to be' 동사)와 'repaired' (과거분사)를 필요로 해요.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 수동태: 사물에 일어나는 일 (만들어지다, 보내지다)

문장에서 틀린 부분을 찾아 고치세요.

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 + 과거분사 + to-부정사' 구조를 사용할 때는 'to' 뒤에 동사원형('have')이 와야 하고, '-ing' 형태('having')를 사용하면 안 돼요.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 수동태: 보고 동사 (…라고 전해진다)

문장의 실수를 찾아 고치세요.

Find and fix the mistake:

The new rules announcing today.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: The new rules are announced today.
주어 'rules'는 복수이기 때문에 'are'가 필요해요. 'announce'의 과거분사는 'announced'예요.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 수동태: 동작에 초점 (현재 단순 수동태)

문장에서 틀린 부분을 찾아 고치세요.

Find and fix the mistake:

The message send to everyone in the group chat.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: The message was sent to everyone in the group chat.
문장은 수동태를 만들기 위해 'to be' 동사 ('was')와 'send'의 과거분사형 ('sent')이 필요해요. 행동은 과거에 일어났음을 암시해요.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 수동태: 사물에 일어나는 일 (만들어지다, 보내지다)

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

과거 단순 수동태를 올바르게 사용한 문장을 고르세요.

Choose the correct sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: The project was completed on time.
주어 'project'는 단수이므로 'was'를 사용하고, 'completed'가 올바른 과거 분사입니다.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 과거 단순 수동태: 완료된 행동 (되었다/되었었다)

문장에서 틀린 부분을 찾아 고치세요.

Find and fix the mistake:

The report should be write by Friday.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: The report should be written by Friday.
수동태에서 주동사는 과거분사 형태여야 해요. 'write'의 과거분사는 'written'입니다.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 조동사와 수동태: 그것은 될 수 있다

Score: /10

자주 묻는 질문 (6)

주된 목적은 행동을 하는 사람이나 사물보다는 행동과 그 행동을 받는 대상에 초점을 맞추는 거예요. 누가 행동했는지 모르거나 중요하지 않을 때 아주 유용하죠. 예를 들어,
The dishes are washed daily
(접시들은 매일 씻겨진다)처럼요.
'be' 동사 (am, is, are)의 올바른 형태 뒤에 주동사의 '과거분사(V3)'를 붙여서 만들어요. 예를 들어,
The emails are sent
(이메일들이 발송된다)처럼요.
'조동사 수동태'는 조동사(can, should, must 등)와 수동태 구조('be + 과거분사')를 합쳐서 '누가 했는지'가 중요하지 않거나, 알 수 없거나, 너무 분명할 때 어떤 '행동'이나 '행동을 받는 대상'에 초점을 맞춰 말하는 거예요. 예를 들어,
The work must be completed.
처럼요.
어떤 행위의 '주체'보다 '행동 자체'나 '행동을 받는 대상'이 더 중요할 때 사용해요. 격식 있고 객관적이며 정중한 표현을 만들 때도 좋죠. 예를 들어,
The announcement will be made soon
은
Someone will make the announcement soon
보다 덜 직접적이어서 더 정중하게 들릴 수 있어요.
보고 동사는 say, think, believe, know 등 다른 사람이 말하거나 생각한 내용을 전달할 때 사용하는 동사예요. 수동태로 쓰이면 원래 출처를 명시하지 않고도 정보를 보고하는 데 도움이 되죠. 예를 들어, 'People say he is rich'에서 'say'가 보고 동사예요.
이 구조는 정보의 출처가 일반적이거나, 알려지지 않았거나, 중요하지 않을 때 사용해요. 더 격식 있고 객관적인 어조를 만들어 정보 자체에 초점을 맞추죠. 예를 들어, 'It is believed that the market will recover'와 같이 말이에요.
이전 챕터
Mastering Perfect Tenses
다음 챕터
The Second Conditional
로드맵으로 돌아가기