Passive Voice with Modals: It Can Be Done
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use 'Modal + be + Past Participle' to focus on what happens to an object when using words like can, must, or should.
- Always use 'be' in its base form after the modal: 'It can be fixed' (not 'is fixed').
- The main verb must be a past participle: 'The work should be done' (not 'do' or 'did').
- For negatives, put 'not' between the modal and 'be': 'It cannot be opened'.
Overview
Learn to talk about actions. You do not need the person.
Use this when you do not know the person. It sounds professional.
Talk about the object. 'The office must be cleaned' is easy.
The latter is often preferred in professional contexts where directives are given impersonally.
How This Grammar Works
Formation Pattern
When To Use It
- 1When the Agent is Unknown or Unimportant: This is the most common reason to use the passive voice. If you do not know who performed an action, or if identifying the performer is not relevant to the message, the passive voice is ideal. This preserves conciseness and directs attention to the action or its outcome.
The window must have been broken last night.(The identity of the person who broke the window is unknown.)New guidelines will be introduced next month.(The specific department or individual introducing the guidelines is not the focus.)The money could be hidden anywhere in the house.(The person who hid the money is not the primary concern; the possibility of its location is.)
- 1To Emphasize the Action or Object: Sometimes, the recipient of the action or the action itself carries more weight than the actor. Using the passive voice allows you to position this information at the forefront of the sentence, aligning with the principle of end-focus in English sentence structure, where new or important information often appears at the end.
Your application should be reviewed carefully.(The careful review is more critical than who reviews it.)Significant progress can be made with consistent effort.(The potential for progress is highlighted.)The city's infrastructure might be damaged by the storm.(The impact on the infrastructure is the main point.)
- 1For Giving Impersonal Instructions, Rules, or Directives: In formal or institutional settings, the passive voice with modals is frequently used to issue commands, regulations, or advice in a general, objective manner. This avoids directly addressing individuals, making the instruction feel less personal and more universal. It is common in official documents, signage, and policy statements.
All safety procedures must be observed at all times.(A general rule applicable to everyone, not a personal command.)Deliveries should be left at the reception desk.(An instruction for anyone delivering goods.)Personal belongings may not be left unattended.(A regulation that applies to all visitors or occupants.)
- 1To Be Polite or Indirect: The passive voice can soften a statement, making it less confrontational or demanding. This is particularly useful in situations where direct accusations or commands might be perceived negatively. It allows for a more diplomatic and courteous tone, a valuable cultural insight into English communication, where indirectness often signals politeness.
Perhaps the report could be revised slightly.(More polite thanYou should revise the report slightly.)Your attendance may be required at the follow-up meeting.(Softer thanYou must attend the follow-up meeting.)It is felt that some improvements should be made.(Avoids directly statingWe feel you should make improvements.)
- 1In Scientific, Technical, or Academic Writing: Objectivity and a focus on processes, data, and findings are paramount in these fields. The passive voice helps to achieve this by removing the human agent, thereby emphasizing the results and methods. This contributes to the formal, impersonal style characteristic of academic discourse.
Experimental data can be interpreted in various ways.(Focuses on the data and its potential interpretation.)Further research might be conducted to validate these findings.(Highlights the necessity of additional research, not the researchers.)The chemical reaction should be performed under controlled conditions.(Describes the necessary conditions for the process, not the person performing it.)
Common Mistakes
- 1Omitting
be: This is arguably the most prevalent error. Many learners correctly identify the modal and the past participle but forget to insert the crucialbeverb. Thebeis an essential auxiliary in passive constructions, signaling that the subject is receiving the action.
- INCORRECT:
The problem can solved quickly. - CORRECT:
The problem can be solved quickly. - Explanation: Without
be, the modal verb directly attaches to the past participle, creating an ungrammatical phrase.Solvedin this context requires an auxiliary verb (be) to form the passive voice. Think ofbeas the connector that transforms the active potential (can solve) into the passive potential (can be solved).
- 1Using the Incorrect Verb Form (Base Form or
-ingForm Instead of Past Participle): The main verb in any passive construction must always be in its past participle form (e.g.,done,written,seen,finished). Using the base form (e.g.,do,write,see,finish) or the present participle (-ingform, e.g.,doing,writing) is a common mistake.
- INCORRECT:
The work must be do by tomorrow. - CORRECT:
The work must be done by tomorrow. - INCORRECT:
The report should be writing now. - CORRECT:
The report should be written now. - Explanation: The past participle signifies the completion or state resulting from the action. The base form is used for active constructions with modals (e.g.,
You must do the work), and the-ingform is for continuous tenses or gerunds, neither of which applies here for simple passive voice.
- 1Confusing Active and Passive Voice: Learners sometimes struggle to distinguish between when an active or passive construction is appropriate, or they inadvertently blend the two, leading to grammatical errors and unclear meaning. This usually stems from not clearly identifying whether the subject is performing or receiving the action.
- INCORRECT:
They should be finish the project by next week.(This is a hybrid and incorrect structure.) - CORRECT (Active):
They should finish the project by next week.(Focus on 'they' performing the action.) - CORRECT (Passive):
The project should be finished by next week.(Focus on 'the project' receiving the action.) - Explanation: If the subject (e.g.,
they) is the one performing the action (finish), use the active voice (should finish). If the subject (e.g.,the project) is the one receiving the action (finished), use the passive voice (should be finished). Always ensure your subject and verb agree on who is doing what.
- 1Overusing the Passive Voice: While valuable, excessive use of the passive voice, especially when the agent is important and could be easily named, can make writing sound stiff, unnatural, or evasive. This often occurs in contexts where clarity and directness are preferred.
- Example of Overuse:
It was decided that the meeting might be cancelled, and the decision should be communicated by the manager.(Sounds overly formal and indirect for many contexts.) - Improved (Mixed Voice):
We decided the meeting might be cancelled, and the manager should communicate the decision. - Explanation: Use the passive voice intentionally for the reasons outlined in
When To Use It. In other cases, the active voice is generally more direct, concise, and often more engaging. A balanced approach ensures your communication is both precise and natural.
- 1Incorrect Negation: Negation with passive modals occurs by placing
notdirectly after the modal verb, not afterbe.
- INCORRECT:
The instructions should be not ignored. - CORRECT:
The instructions should not be ignored. - Explanation: The modal verb itself is the primary auxiliary, and
notalways follows the first auxiliary verb in a verb phrase. This is a general rule for negating sentences with modal verbs.
Real Conversations
The passive voice with modals is not confined to textbooks or formal documents; it permeates everyday communication, allowing for efficient and nuanced expression in a variety of real-world scenarios. Here's how it appears in different contexts:
1. Workplace Discussion (Project Management):
- Team Lead: "Okay team, for this sprint, the client presentation must be prepared by Wednesday. All data should be verified twice before submission."
- Team Member 1: "Understood. The new design mock-ups could be finalized by tomorrow if Sarah has time."
- Team Lead: "Excellent. And feedback on the initial draft will be provided by the end of the day." (Here, will be provided implicitly means 'by me' or 'by the client', but the focus is on the action of provision.)
2. Planning a Social Event (Informal Chat):
- Friend A: "So, for the picnic, food can be brought by everyone, or should it be catered?"
- Friend B: "Definitely can be brought – it'll be more fun! Drinks might be purchased by me, if no one else wants to."
- Friend C: "And a playlist must be created; good music is essential!"
3. Public Announcements / News Reporting:
- News Anchor: "Emergency services report that the affected area should be evacuated within the next three hours. Additional support will be dispatched to assist residents."
- Reporter (live): "Many roads have been closed already, and essential supplies can only be accessed through alternative routes."
- Official: "The safety of our citizens must be ensured above all else."
4. Instructions / Advice (e.g., apartment building rules, self-help guides):
- Notice: "All communal areas must be kept clean. Loud noises should not be made after 10 PM. Parcels can be collected from the concierge desk."
- Self-help book: "Your goals should be broken down into smaller steps. Progress can be tracked daily to maintain motivation."
- Parent to child: "Your homework must be done before you play games. Your room could be tidied a bit, too."
These examples demonstrate how the passive voice with modals allows speakers and writers to give instructions, discuss possibilities, or report events in an impersonal yet clear manner. It's a fundamental aspect of communicating efficiency and expectations in various social and professional settings.
Quick FAQ
The door must be locked and You must lock the door?it can be done and it can get done?be-passive.- Continuous Passive:
Modal + be + being + Past Participle(e.g.,The report must be being written right now.) This is less common but indicates an ongoing passive action. - Perfect Passive:
Modal + have + been + Past Participle(e.g.,The problem could have been avoided.) This refers to a passive action completed before a certain point, often expressing regret or missed opportunity.
2. Negative Contractions
| Full Form | Contracted Form | Usage |
|---|---|---|
|
cannot be
|
can't be
|
Common in speech
|
|
should not be
|
shouldn't be
|
Common in speech
|
|
must not be
|
mustn't be
|
Common in speech/British English
|
|
will not be
|
won't be
|
Very common
|
|
could not be
|
couldn't be
|
Common in speech
|
|
might not be
|
mightn't be
|
Rare, mostly British
|
Modal Passive Structure
| Subject (Receiver) | Modal Verb | Auxiliary 'be' | Past Participle (V3) |
|---|---|---|---|
|
The work
|
can
|
be
|
done
|
|
The rules
|
must
|
be
|
followed
|
|
The letter
|
should
|
be
|
written
|
|
The house
|
might
|
be
|
sold
|
|
The truth
|
will
|
be
|
known
|
|
The decision
|
may
|
be
|
changed
|
|
The car
|
could
|
be
|
fixed
|
|
The laws
|
ought to
|
be
|
obeyed
|
Meanings
A grammatical construction used to express modality (possibility, necessity, obligation) while keeping the focus on the person or thing receiving the action rather than the one performing it.
Possibility/Ability
Expressing that an action is possible for the object.
“The problem can be solved easily.”
“A solution might be found soon.”
Obligation/Necessity
Expressing that an action is required or mandatory for the object.
“The law must be obeyed.”
“The taxes have to be paid by Friday.”
Permission/Prohibition
Expressing what is allowed or forbidden regarding the object.
“Phones may not be used during the exam.”
“The room can be rented for parties.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Obj + Modal + be + V3
|
The cake will be eaten.
|
|
Negative
|
Obj + Modal + not + be + V3
|
The cake won't be eaten.
|
|
Question
|
Modal + Obj + be + V3?
|
Will the cake be eaten?
|
|
Short Answer (+)
|
Yes, Obj + Modal.
|
Yes, it will.
|
|
Short Answer (-)
|
No, Obj + Modal + not.
|
No, it won't.
|
|
With 'By' Agent
|
Obj + Modal + be + V3 + by...
|
The cake will be eaten by us.
|
|
Past Modal Passive
|
Obj + Modal + have been + V3
|
The cake should have been eaten.
|
Formality Spectrum
The report must be submitted by 5 PM. (Workplace deadline)
The report needs to be handed in by 5. (Workplace deadline)
The report's gotta be done by 5. (Workplace deadline)
Get that report in by 5, no cap. (Workplace deadline)
The Modal Passive Universe
Possibility
- Can be Ability
- Might be Uncertainty
Obligation
- Must be Strong necessity
- Should be Advice
Permission
- May be Formal permission
- Can be Informal permission
Active vs. Passive Modals
Is it Modal Passive?
Is there a modal (can, must, etc.)?
Is the focus on the receiver?
Did you add 'be'?
Common Past Participles for Passive
Regular
- • Finished
- • Cleaned
- • Fixed
- • Opened
Irregular
- • Done
- • Written
- • Seen
- • Taken
- • Broken
Examples by Level
The window can be opened.
The food must be hot.
The book can be read.
The car must be clean.
The room should be cleaned every day.
The email can be sent now.
The door must not be locked.
Can the bill be paid by credit card?
The application must be submitted by Friday.
The results might be announced tomorrow.
This software can be downloaded for free.
The meeting should be rescheduled.
The project ought to be completed ahead of schedule.
Such behavior will not be tolerated in this office.
The data could be interpreted in several ways.
The contract may be terminated with 30 days' notice.
It could be argued that the policy was a failure.
The implications must be carefully considered.
No part of this book may be reproduced without permission.
The witness should be questioned further.
The nuances of the text might be overlooked by a casual reader.
It is imperative that the status quo be maintained.
The debt shall be repaid in full by the end of the fiscal year.
The truth of the matter can only be surmised.
Easily Confused
Learners often use the active form when they mean the passive because it's simpler.
They mean the same thing, but 'have to' conjugates like a normal verb.
Learners confuse 'be doing' with 'be done'.
Common Mistakes
It can done.
It can be done.
It must be do.
It must be done.
The car can be fix.
The car can be fixed.
Must be the door closed?
Must the door be closed?
It should be not opened.
It should not be opened.
The letters can been sent.
The letters can be sent.
He can be tell.
He can be told.
The work must is done.
The work must be done.
It might be can fixed.
It might be fixed.
The house should be sell.
The house should be sold.
The task needs be done.
The task needs to be done.
It may be being processed.
It may be processed.
Sentence Patterns
The ___ must be ___ by ___.
It can be ___ easily.
___ should not be ___ without ___.
How can the ___ be ___?
Real World Usage
The successful candidate will be notified by email.
Hard hats must be worn on this site.
This issue can be resolved by restarting your device.
The mixture should be stirred until smooth.
This agreement may be modified only in writing.
Your account might be suspended if you break the rules.
The 'By' Test
Don't conjugate 'be'
Polite Complaints
Formal vs Informal
Smart Tips
Use 'should be' or 'could be' to make requests. It sounds less like a command.
Check if there is a modal before it. If so, you are looking at a modal passive!
Always use the 'third form' from your verb list (e.g., go-went-GONE).
Use 'must be' + V3. It is the standard way to express non-negotiable requirements.
Pronunciation
The 'be' reduction
In natural speech, the word 'be' is often unstressed and sounds like a quick /bi/ or even /bə/.
Modal + not contraction
Contractions like 'can't' or 'won't' are much more common than 'cannot' or 'will not' in spoken English.
Emphasis on the Modal
It MUST be done!
Conveys strong urgency or insistence.
Emphasis on the Participle
It can be FIXED.
Conveys that the action is possible, even if difficult.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Remember 'MBP': Modal + Be + Participle. It's the 'Most Basic Passive' formula.
Visual Association
Imagine a robot on an assembly line. The robot doesn't care who built it, only that it 'must be built'. See the word 'BE' glowing in the middle of the robot's chest.
Rhyme
If a modal is what you see, don't forget the little word 'be'!
Story
A detective arrives at a crime scene. He doesn't know who did it, so he says: 'The door must be opened, the fingerprints must be taken, and the truth will be found.' He focuses on the actions because the 'who' is a mystery.
Word Web
Challenge
Look around your room. Find 3 things and say what 'must be done' to them (e.g., 'The bed must be made', 'The window should be cleaned').
Cultural Notes
British speakers use 'mustn't be' more frequently than Americans, who often prefer 'shouldn't be' or 'can't be' for prohibitions.
The modal passive is used to avoid 'blame culture'. Instead of saying 'You didn't finish the report,' a manager says 'The report should have been finished,' focusing on the task.
Legal documents use 'shall be' to indicate a binding obligation, which is rarely used in everyday speech.
The passive voice in English evolved from Old English using 'weorthan' (to become) and 'beon' (to be). Modals were originally independent verbs that gradually became auxiliaries.
Conversation Starters
What is one thing in your city that should be improved?
Do you think AI can be used to replace teachers?
What rules must be followed in your workplace?
If you were president, what laws would be changed?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
The application form must ___ (sign) by the applicant.
Which sentence is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
The secret should not be tell to anyone.
Active: You must wash this shirt by hand.
In the modal passive, the word 'be' changes to 'is' if the subject is singular (e.g., 'He').
A: Can I take this book home? B: No, it ___.
Select the valid structure:
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercisesThe application form must ___ (sign) by the applicant.
Which sentence is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
The secret should not be tell to anyone.
Active: You must wash this shirt by hand.
In the modal passive, the word 'be' changes to 'is' if the subject is singular (e.g., 'He').
A: Can I take this book home? B: No, it ___.
Select the valid structure:
Match 'We can solve it' with its passive form.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
12 exercisesThis email ___ sent to the wrong person. Please retrieve it.
The new rules must explained clearly.
Choose the correct sentence:
Translate into English: 'El trabajo puede ser completado mañana.'
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Match the modals with their passive constructions:
These delicate items ___ handled with care.
Our flight could be delay due to the storm.
Translate into English: 'Las noticias serán anunciadas pronto.'
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Which of the following sentences is grammatically correct?
Connect the modals to their suitable passive completions:
Score: /12
FAQ (8)
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.
No, in fact, we usually omit it if the person doing the action is obvious or not important.
Move the modal to the front: 'Can it be fixed?' or 'Should the meeting be moved?'
Because modal verbs are always followed by the base form of the next verb. The base form of 'is/am/are' is `be`.
Most can (can, could, must, should, may, might, will, would). 'Shall' is rare but possible in legal texts.
Technically, 'have to' is a semi-modal, but it follows the same passive pattern: 'have to + be + V3'.
Avoid it in very casual conversation with friends, as it can sound too formal or 'robotic'.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
puede ser + participio / se puede + infinitivo
English always requires the auxiliary 'be', whereas Spanish often uses the reflexive 'se'.
peut être + participe passé
French participles must agree in gender and number with the subject, unlike English.
kann ... werden + Partizip II
The auxiliary 'werden' and the modal create a 'verb bracket' where the participle goes to the very end of the sentence.
〜れる / 〜られる (passive suffix) + modal
Japanese doesn't use a separate 'be' verb; the passive is built into the main verb's conjugation.
Passive verb form + modal (yumkin/yajib)
There is no equivalent to the English 'be' auxiliary in Arabic passive constructions.
可以被 (kěyǐ bèi) + verb
Chinese verbs do not change form (no past participle), so the 'V3' concept is entirely new to Chinese learners.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
Learn These First
English Modal Verbs: can, should, must
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The Passive Voice: Focus on Actions (Present Simple Passive)
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