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 대신 Your order can be tracked라는 문구를 본 적이 있나요? '조동사를 동반한 수동태'의 세계에 오신 것을 환영합니다. 조금 격식 있게 들릴 수도 있지만, 사실 이건 '누가' 했느냐가 아니라 '무엇이' 일어났느냐에 초점을 맞추는 방법입니다.can, must, should 같은 조동사를 더하면 가능성이나 의무 같은 뉘앙스를 추가할 수 있죠. 문장에 '프로페셔널한 마감'을 더하는 것과 같습니다.How This Grammar Works
당신(영웅)은 계약서(타겟)에 서명해야(행동) 합니다. 하지만 계약서가 주인공이라면 어떨까요? 여기서 수동태가 등장합니다.be를 '다리'로 놓습니다. 마지막으로 과거분사(V3)를 사용해 행동을 마무리합니다. 이건 팀플레이입니다.내가 이걸 고칠 수 있어와 이건 고쳐질 수 있어의 차이죠. 전자는 당신의 기술에, 후자는 해결책에 초점을 맞춥니다.
Formation Pattern
can, must, should 등).
be라는 단어를 추가합니다(절대 변하지 않습니다!).
done, seen, written).
The file (주어) + should (조동사) + be (다리) + uploaded (V3).
not을 붙입니다: The file should not be uploaded. 의문문은 조동사를 맨 앞으로 보냅니다: Should the file be uploaded? 레고 블록처럼 부품을 올바른 순서로 끼우기만 하면 됩니다.
When To Use It
- 공식 규칙:
Masks must be worn inside.(누가 말하는지는 중요하지 않아요, 그냥 마스크를 쓰세요!). - 안내 사항:
The battery should be charged for 2 hours. - 앱/SNS:
Your password can be reset here. - 정중한 조언:
This mistake could be avoided.(누군가를 직접 비난하는 것보다 훨씬 부드럽습니다). - 공식 문서:
The results will be published next week.
Common Mistakes
be빼먹기: 많은 사람들이The door must closed라고 하지만 틀린 표현입니다! 다리가 필요해요:The door must be closed.- 잘못된 동사 형태: 원형을 쓰지 마세요. 항상 과거분사입니다:
It can be fixed(fix는 안 돼요). to와의 혼동:can이나must같은 조동사에는to가 필요 없습니다.It must to be done이라고 하지 마세요.- 주어 혼동:
You can be sent the email은 당신 자신이 우편으로 보내진다는 뜻이 됩니다! 올바른 표현은The email can be sent to you입니다.
be와 과거분사를 항상 확인하세요.Contrast With Similar Patterns
- 일반 수동태:
The cake is eaten.(현재의 사실). - 조동사 수동태:
The cake can be eaten.(가능성/허가). - 조동사 능동태:
You can eat the cake.(당신과 당신의 배고픔에 초점을 맞춤).
will은 약속, must는 엄격한 명령입니다.Quick FAQ
누가 했는지 말하기 위해 by를 쓸 수 있나요?
네! The song was written by Taylor Swift. 하지만 주체가 중요하지 않으면 생략하는 게 일반적입니다.
공식적인 글에만 쓰나요?
아뇨, 집에서도 자주 써요: This needs to be cleaned (보통 한숨 섞인 말투로요).
can be는 항상 허가인가요?
아뇨, 가능성도 의미해요: It can be cold in London.
가장 많이 쓰이는 조동사는?
규칙에는 Should와 must, 기술 관련에는 can, 부드러운 제안에는 could입니다.
취업 면접에서 써도 되나요?
물론이죠! My skills can be applied to this role이라고 하면 아주 프로페셔널하게 들립니다.
모든 동사에 다 되나요?
아뇨, 목적어가 없는 동사(happen이나 arrive 등)는 수동태로 만들 수 없습니다.
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
| 조동사 | 능동태 예시 | 수동태 예시 | 의미 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
can
|
You can fix this.
|
This `can be fixed`.
|
가능성/능력
|
|
could
|
They could repair it.
|
It `could be repaired`.
|
과거의 가능성/제안
|
|
should
|
You should finish the report.
|
The report `should be finished`.
|
조언/권고
|
|
must
|
We must submit the form.
|
The form `must be submitted`.
|
의무/필요성
|
|
may
|
Someone may deliver the package.
|
The package `may be delivered`.
|
격식 있는 가능성
|
|
might
|
They might close the store.
|
The store `might be closed`.
|
불확실한 가능성
|
|
will
|
The team will announce the news.
|
The news `will be announced`.
|
미래의 행동 (확실)
|
|
ought to
|
You ought to review the rules.
|
The rules `ought to be reviewed`.
|
강력한 조언/권고
|
격식 수준 스펙트럼
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)
조동사 수동태
자주 쓰이는 조동사
- can 가능성/능력
- should 조언/권고
- must 의무/필요성
- might/may 불확실한 가능성
핵심 사용법
- 알 수 없는 행위자 누가 했지? 중요하지 않아!
- 대상 초점 무슨 일이 일어났지? (대상에게)
- 격식 있는 어조 공식 발표, 규칙
- 공손한 제안 부드러운 조언
만드는 단계
- 주어 (수신자)
- 조동사 (can, should 등)
- be (항상 'be')
- V3 (과거분사)
능동태 vs 수동태 (조동사와 함께)
언제 조동사 + 수동태를 사용할까?
동작의 '행위자'를 알고 있거나 중요한가요?
동작이나 그 결과를 강조하고 싶나요?
일반적인 조언이나 지시를 하고 있나요?
정중함이나 격식이 필요한가요?
조동사 수동태: 다양한 의미 표현하기
가능성/능력
- • `can be found`
- • `could be done`
- • `may be seen`
의무/필요성
- • `must be submitted`
- • `should be completed`
- • `has to be approved`
조언/권고
- • `should be reviewed`
- • `ought to be improved`
- • `could be considered`
금지/불가능
- • `cannot be entered`
- • `must not be touched`
- • `should not be ignored`
수준별 예문
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.
혼동하기 쉬운
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.
자주 하는 실수
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.
문장 패턴
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.
동작의 대상에 집중하기
'be'를 잊지 마세요!
must be eaten.'처럼 'be'가 있어야 자연스러워요. 항상 'be'가 있는지 확인하는 습관을 들여보세요!: "This is the biggest trap! After the modal verb, you MUST include 'be' before the past participle. 'The food must eaten' is incorrect; it should be 'The food must be eaten.' Always double-check for that little 'be'!"정중함과 격식 업그레이드
must be completed.'라고 하면 훨씬 부드럽게 들리죠. 비즈니스 이메일이나 지시 사항을 전달할 때 활용해보세요: "Use passive with modals for a more polite or formal tone. Instead of 'You must complete this,' try 'This must be completed.' It's great for professional emails, instructions, or when you want to avoid direct commands."뉴스, 학술 영어에서 자주 보여요
과거분사(V3) 형태 확인하기
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.
발음
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.
암기하기
기억법
Remember 'MBP': Modal, Be, Participle. It's the 'Most Beautiful Pattern'!
시각적 연상
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
챌린지
Look around your room and find 3 things that 'must be done' (e.g., 'The bed must be made'). Write them down.
문화 노트
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.
대화 시작하기
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?
일기 주제
자주 하는 실수
Test Yourself
The report ______ by noon.
Find and fix the mistake:
The instructions should follow carefully.
Choose the correct sentence:
Arrange the words in the correct order:
All words placed
Click words above to build the sentence
Score: /4
연습 문제
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.
Choose the correct sentence:
Translate into English: 'El software puede ser actualizado esta noche.'
Arrange these words into a sentence:
구절들을 짝지으세요:
The message ______ immediately.
The documents can signed here.
Choose the correct sentence:
Translate into English: 'No se debe tocar el objeto de arte.'
Arrange these words into a sentence:
능동태를 수동태에 짝지으세요:
Score: /12
자주 묻는 질문 (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
관련 동영상
08:43 Why children get so many vaccines
PASSIVE VOICE - English Grammar step-by-step
Arnel's Everyday English
Active and Passive Voice Tricks | Active Voice and Passive Voice in English Grammar | ChetChat
ChetChat
How to use the Passive Voice 😅 English Grammar Lesson
mmmEnglish
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