Passive Voice with Modal Verbs (can be done)
modal + be + V3 to sound natural and flexible, expressing possibilities, duties, and advice.
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
Use words like "can be" or "should be" for actions. This shows what is possible. It talks about what happens to something.
This helps you speak better. You can sound more polite and clear. You will see this in many places.
It is important to know how and when to use this.
How This Grammar Works
They should update the software is advice directed at they, while The software should be updated is general advice about the software's status.Formation Pattern
by phrase):
The report must be finished by the end of the day. (No agent specified)
The report must be finished by Sarah by the end of the day. (Agent specified)
The meeting cannot be rescheduled until next week.
This document should not be shared outside the company.
New features might not be implemented until the next update.
Can the proposal be submitted by Friday?
Should these details be included in the summary?
Must the form be signed in person?
can | Ability, possibility | can be + V3 | The problem can be solved. | The problem cannot be solved. | Can the problem be solved? |
could | Past possibility, suggestion | could be + V3 | The decision could be delayed. | The decision could not be delayed. | Could the decision be delayed? |
might | Slight possibility | might be + V3 | The keys might be found. | The keys might not be found. | Might the keys be found? |
must | Obligation, necessity | must be + V3 | The assignment must be completed. | The assignment must not be completed. | Must the assignment be completed? |
should | Advice, recommendation | should be + V3 | The service should be improved. | The service should not be improved. | Should the service be improved? |
ought to | Advice, recommendation | ought to be + V3 | They ought to be warned. | They ought not to be warned. | Ought they to be warned? |
will | Future certainty | will be + V3 | A new product will be launched. | A new product will not be launched. | Will a new product be launched? |
would | Hypothetical, polite | would be + V3 | Your help would be appreciated. | Your help would not be appreciated. | Would your help be appreciated? |
have to | External obligation | has/have to be + V3 | The car has to be repaired. | The car doesn't have to be repaired. | Does the car have to be repaired? |
need to | Necessity | needs/need to be + V3 | The report needs to be checked. | The report doesn't need to be checked. | Does the report need to be checked? |
When To Use It
- When the Agent is Unknown or Unimportant: This is arguably the most common and fundamental reason to use the passive voice. If you don't know who performed an action, or if their identity is irrelevant to the core message, the passive voice allows you to omit them entirely. This is particularly useful in reporting news, stating general facts, or when describing accidents.
The missing data could be recovered.(We don't know who will recover it, or the 'who' isn't important).My wallet must have been stolen last night.(The thief is unknown, the focus is on the action and its impact).These forms should be filled out in black ink only.(The person filling out the form is less significant than the instruction itself).
- To Focus on the Action or its Result: Sometimes, the process, the event, or the outcome of an action holds more significance than the entity performing it. By making the receiver the subject, you draw attention to what happened or what needs to happen.
The new software will be installed on all systems by Friday.(Emphasis is on the installation of the software, not the IT technician who performs it).This issue can be resolved quickly if everyone cooperates.(The focus is on the resolution of the issue, indicating its manageability).Regular backups must be performed to prevent data loss.(Highlighting the necessity of the action, not who performs the backup).
- To Maintain a Formal or Objective Tone: In academic writing, scientific reports, official announcements, or instructional manuals, the passive voice contributes to a detached and objective style. It depersonalizes statements, which is often desirable in professional and formal contexts, making the information seem less about opinion and more about fact or procedure.
All experimental protocols must be adhered to rigidly.(A formal instruction in a laboratory setting, emphasizing the rule over the person).Applications should be submitted before the deadline to ensure consideration.(Standard language in official announcements, ensuring fairness).Further research may be required to confirm these preliminary findings.(An objective statement in a scientific paper, avoiding personal bias).
- To Express Politeness or Indirectness: When giving advice, instructions, or even subtle criticism, the passive voice can soften the impact by avoiding direct attribution. This makes the statement less confrontational or accusatory, promoting a more diplomatic interaction. This is a common strategy in English to preserve harmony.
Your microphone should be muted during the presentation.(More polite thanYou should mute your microphone, especially if it's a general rule).The current strategy could be improved by incorporating more user feedback.(A suggestion, less accusatory thanYou need to improve the strategy).Food cannot be consumed in the library premises.(A rule stated indirectly, rather than directly targeting individuals).
- To Avoid Assigning Blame: When an error occurs, and you want to describe it without explicitly blaming someone, the passive voice is an excellent choice. It allows you to report facts neutrally.
A mistake might have been made in the calculations.(Focus on the mistake, not on who made it).The files shouldn't have been deleted from the server.(Highlights the incorrect action, not the person who performed it).
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect Form of
be: This is perhaps the most frequent error. Learners often mistakenly conjugatebeafter the modal, or use a form likebeen. Remember, modal verbs are always followed by the bare infinitive, which for the passive voice is alwaysbe. - Incorrect:
The report must is sent./The report must been sent. - Correct:
The report must be sent. - Why it's wrong: Confusion with other tenses (e.g.,
The report is sentfor present simple passive, orThe report has been sentfor present perfect passive). The modalmusttakes precedence and demandsbein its base form.
- Incorrect Past Participle (V3): Using the base form (V1) or the simple past form (V2) instead of the past participle (V3) is another common issue, particularly with irregular verbs.
- Incorrect:
The letter should be wrote./The letter should be write. - Correct:
The letter should be written.(The past participle ofwriteiswritten). - Why it's wrong: Lack of familiarity with irregular verb forms, or applying regular verb rules (
-ed) to irregular verbs.
- Missing the Auxiliary
beEntirely: Learners sometimes forget thebeverb, creating an ungrammatical structure. - Incorrect:
The work can finished by tomorrow. - Correct:
The work can be finished by tomorrow. - Why it's wrong: Over-simplification or direct translation from languages that form passive differently.
- Overuse or Misuse of
by + agent: While thebyphrase is sometimes necessary, learners occasionally include it when the agent is irrelevant, unknown, or completely obvious, making the sentence clunky and unnatural. - Awkward:
The email must be sent by someone.(Ifsomeoneis unknown, omitby someone). - Better:
The email must be sent. - Why it's wrong: A desire to always complete the sentence, without considering the communicative purpose of omitting the agent.
- Using Passive with Intransitive Verbs: The passive voice can only be formed with transitive verbs – verbs that take a direct object. Intransitive verbs (like
happen,sleep,arrive,exist) cannot be made passive because there is no object to become the subject. - Incorrect:
An accident was happened./The meeting cannot be happened. - Correct:
An accident happened./The meeting cannot happen. - Why it's wrong: Not understanding the fundamental requirement of a direct object for passive transformation.
- Confusing with Active Voice: Sometimes, learners use the passive when the active voice would be clearer, more direct, or simply more appropriate because the agent is important and known.
- Less direct:
The report should be read by you. - More direct/natural:
You should read the report. - Why it's wrong: Applying the passive without considering the intended focus or context, or a tendency to default to a complex structure.
Real Conversations
Understanding how passive voice with modal verbs appears in authentic, modern English is crucial for B1 learners. These examples show its flexibility across various communication channels, from informal chats to professional exchanges.
1. Workplace Communication (Email/Meeting):
Often used for project updates, task delegation, or policy statements, where the focus is on the task rather than the individual performing it.
- Email Subject: Project Update: Task Status
`
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
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Obj + Modal + be + V3
|
The car must be washed.
|
|
Negative
|
Obj + Modal + not + be + V3
|
The car must not be washed.
|
|
Question
|
Modal + Obj + be + V3?
|
Must the car be washed?
|
|
Short Answer (+)
|
Yes, it [modal].
|
Yes, it must.
|
|
Short Answer (-)
|
No, it [modal] not.
|
No, it shouldn't.
|
|
With 'By' Agent
|
Obj + Modal + be + V3 + by...
|
It can be done by him.
|
|
Passive Infinitive
|
Modal + be + V3
|
This needs to be done.
|
Formality Spectrum
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)
Modal Passive Functions
Rules
- Must be done Obligation
Possibility
- Can be found Ability/Potential
Advice
- Should be kept Recommendation
Active vs. Passive Modals
Building a Modal Passive
Is there a modal?
Is it negative?
Is the verb V3?
Common Modal Passive Verbs
Actions
- • be done
- • be made
- • be taken
Communication
- • be told
- • be sent
- • be written
Examples by Level
It can be done.
The door must be closed.
Can it be fixed?
The food should be hot.
The homework must be finished today.
The windows should be opened.
This book can be borrowed from the library.
The car cannot be parked here.
The package might be delivered tomorrow.
All applications must be submitted online.
The meeting could be cancelled due to the storm.
Should the medicine be taken with food?
The results will be published once the data has been verified.
Safety regulations must be strictly adhered to.
The project ought to be completed by the end of the quarter.
Can any improvements be made to the current system?
The implications of this policy must be carefully considered.
It could be argued that the economy is recovering.
The manuscript may be viewed only with special permission.
Such behavior will not be tolerated in this establishment.
The gravity of the situation can hardly be overstated.
Provision must be made for future contingencies.
The nuances of the text might be lost in translation.
It is imperative that the confidentiality of the source be maintained.
Easily Confused
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.
Common Mistakes
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.
Sentence Patterns
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.
The 'By' Test
Don't forget 'Be'
Polite Requests
Avoiding Blame
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.
Pronunciation
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.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Remember 'MBP': Modal, Be, Participle. It's the 'Most Beautiful Pattern'!
Visual Association
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
Challenge
Look around your room and find 3 things that 'must be done' (e.g., 'The bed must be made'). Write them down.
Cultural Notes
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.
Conversation Starters
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?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
The 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
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
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:
Match the phrases:
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:
Match the active voice to the passive voice:
Score: /12
FAQ (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
Passive Voice: Basic Formation (be + V3)
Overview When you describe actions in English, you typically focus on who or what performs the action. This is called t...
English Modal Verbs: can, should, must
Overview Modal verbs are a specialized subset of auxiliary verbs in English that add crucial meaning to a main verb. The...
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