Passive Voice: Things happening to things (is made, was sent)
Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
The passive voice shifts focus from the person doing the action to the person or thing receiving the action.
- Use 'be' + past participle: 'The cake was eaten' (max 20 words)
- The object of the active sentence becomes the subject (max 20 words)
- Use 'by' only if the doer is important: 'by Shakespeare' (max 20 words)
Overview
Sometimes the action is more important than the person.
This helps you speak better English. It sounds more natural.
Usually we say who did it. This way shows what happened.
You will see this in news and school books.
How This Grammar Works
Formation Pattern
When To Use It
- 1When the Agent (Doer) is Unknown or Unimportant: This is arguably the most common and practical application. If you genuinely do not know who performed an action, or if their identity is irrelevant to the message, the passive voice is the logical choice. For example,
My wallet was stolen last night.(You don't know who stole it, or it doesn't matter for the immediate complaint.) Similarly,The city hall was built in the 19th century.(The specific builders are not important to the historical fact.) In such cases, using an active construction would force you to invent an agent (e.g.,Someone stole my wallet), which can sound less formal or precise.
- 1To Focus on the Action or the Receiver of the Action: The grammatical structure of the passive voice inherently places the emphasis on the new subject—the thing or person experiencing the action. This is invaluable when the action or its impact is more significant than the agent. For instance, in scientific reports, the methods and results are often more critical than the researchers themselves:
Measurements were taken at regular intervals.Here, the act of taking measurements is foregrounded. Similarly,The patient was given medication for the pain.emphasizes the patient's experience and treatment rather than the medical professional.
- 1For Objectivity and Formality: In academic, scientific, or journalistic writing, the passive voice is frequently employed to maintain an objective tone and to de-emphasize personal responsibility or subjectivity. News headlines often exemplify this for conciseness and impact:
New evidence has been presented in the case.This sounds more neutral thanThe prosecutor presented new evidence.By removing the explicit agent, the statement appears more factual and less biased. In research papers, you might readExperiments were conducted to verify the hypothesis,which reinforces the scientific process over individual researchers.
- 1To Avoid Blame or Attribute Responsibility Generally: Sometimes, the passive voice can be used strategically to soften a statement or to avoid directly blaming an individual or group. This is common in professional or political discourse. The classic example,
Mistakes were madeimplies that errors occurred without pointing fingers directly. While it can sometimes be perceived as evasive, it serves a clear social function in specific contexts, allowing for a collective acknowledgment of issues without assigning personal fault.
- 1Describing Processes, Procedures, or Instructions: When detailing how something is done, made, or operated, the agent is often generic or implicitly understood. The passive voice streamlines these descriptions by focusing on the steps and materials. For example, in a recipe:
First, the flour is sifted, then the eggs are beaten separately.The person performing these actions is understood to be the cook, making an active construction (You sift the flour...) less formal and sometimes redundant. Similarly, manufacturing processes are often described passively:The components are assembled on the production line.
Common Mistakes
- 1Omitting the form of
to be: This is perhaps the most frequent error. The past participle cannot function as a verb on its own in the passive voice; it always requires an auxiliary verbto be. Failing to includeto beresults in an incomplete and ungrammatical sentence. For example,The report written yesterdayis incorrect. It must beThe report was written yesterday.The structureSubject + Past Participleis a reduced relative clause or an adjectival phrase, not a passive verb.
- 1Incorrect form or tense of
to be: Learners sometimes struggle with matching the correct form ofto beto the new subject's number (singular/plural) or the intended tense. For instance,The emails was sent an hour agois incorrect becauseemailsis plural; it should beThe emails were sent an hour ago.Similarly, using a pastto bewith a present action, such asThe news is announced yesterday,wherewas announcedis required, reflects a misunderstanding of tense agreement.
- 1Using the simple past instead of the past participle: English has many irregular verbs where the simple past and past participle forms are different (e.g.,
see – saw – seen,do – did – done,break – broke – broken). Confusing these can lead to errors likeThe window was brokeinstead ofThe window was broken.Memorizing the principal parts of common irregular verbs (base form, simple past, past participle) is essential for avoiding this mistake.
- 1Overusing the passive voice: While a valuable tool, overuse of the passive voice can make your writing sound cumbersome, indirect, or even evasive. It can obscure who is responsible for an action, making sentences less clear and dynamic. For instance, a paragraph entirely composed of passive sentences like
The decision was made. The task was completed. The report was submitted.lacks the directness and energy of active constructions. A good rule of thumb is to use the active voice unless there is a specific, strategic reason to employ the passive, as outlined in theWhen To Use Itsection. Strive for a balance that prioritizes clarity and conciseness.
- 1Confusion with stative verbs: Some verbs describe states or conditions (
know,have,seem,belong) rather than actions. These verbs generally do not form passive constructions because their meaning does not involve an action being performed on a subject. For instance,He is known the answeris incorrect;He knows the answeris the only natural way to express this.
Real Conversations
The passive voice is not confined to formal writing; it is a natural and integral part of everyday spoken English across various contexts, often contributing to efficiency and natural flow.
1. Social Media Updates/Texting: In brief, informal communications, the passive voice helps convey information succinctly, often when the agent is implicitly understood or irrelevant.
- My phone was found! So relieved! (Focus on the phone and the relief, not who found it.)
- Just heard the concert was cancelled. Super bummed. (The action of cancellation is central, not the specific organizers.)
2. News or Public Announcements: Whether on a news app or overheard on the radio, passive constructions are common for reporting events.
- The road is closed due to heavy snow. (The condition of the road is the main piece of information.)
- A new scholarship program was launched by the university. (Highlights the program and its creation, with the university as the optional agent.)
3. Work-Related Discussions/Emails: In professional settings, the passive voice helps maintain a degree of formality or focuses on tasks and processes.
- The project brief was approved this morning. (The approval is the key update, not necessarily who approved it.)
- Could you confirm if the invoice has been sent? (Focuses on the status of the invoice, not who sent it.)
4. Casual Chat/Narrating Events: When recounting incidents, the passive voice can naturally emphasize what happened to you or to an object.
- My car was hit in the parking lot – just a scratch, thankfully. (Focus on the car's damage.)
- You won't believe it, but my name was called for the raffle prize! (Emphasizes the exciting event and the listener's participation in it.)
These examples illustrate that the passive voice is not an academic abstraction but a living part of how English speakers convey information, offering flexibility in emphasis and tone, even in casual settings. It allows for concise expression by omitting redundant information and foregrounding the most communicatively relevant elements.
Quick FAQ
While the active voice is often more direct, the passive voice serves distinct purposes. It allows you to emphasize the action or its recipient when the performer is unknown, unimportant, or when you wish to maintain objectivity. It's a tool for specific communicative needs, not just a stylistic variation. Choosing between them depends on what you want to highlight in your sentence.
No, the by + agent phrase is entirely optional. It is only included if specifying the performer of the action adds crucial information or clarity to the sentence. In many passive constructions, the agent is either unknown or irrelevant, and therefore, it is omitted for conciseness and focus.
is/are and was/were the only forms of to be used in the passive voice?At the B1 level, you will predominantly encounter the present simple passive (is/are + past participle) and the past simple passive (was/were + past participle). As you advance to higher levels (B2 and above), you will learn how to form the passive voice in other tenses, such as the present perfect (has/have been + past participle) or with modal verbs (can be + past participle). However, mastering the simple present and past forms is foundational.
Absolutely. While often associated with formal writing, the passive voice appears naturally in informal contexts. It's frequently used to share news, describe personal experiences, or comment on events where the agent isn't the primary focus. The key is to ensure it sounds natural and appropriate for the context, avoiding overly formal phrasing when chatting with friends.
There's no shortcut; memorization is key for irregular verbs. However, you can make this process more efficient by grouping verbs with similar patterns (e.g., verbs ending in -n like broken, spoken, written) or by regularly using flashcards and online quizzes. Consistent exposure through reading and listening also helps internalize these forms over time.
Often, yes, the passive voice can result in slightly longer constructions compared to their active counterparts. However, the primary goal of language is not always brevity, but clarity and effective communication. If a passive construction allows for better focus, greater objectivity, or highlights essential information more effectively, then it is the superior choice, even if it adds a few extra words. The aim is balance, selecting the voice that best conveys your intended message.
This is a common misconception. The passive voice is a legitimate and valuable grammatical tool. It is not inherently 'bad,' but like any tool, it can be misused or overused. When used inappropriately, it can lead to unclear, evasive, or overly formal writing. However, when applied strategically and for valid communicative reasons, it enhances precision, objectivity, and textual flow. A skilled writer employs both active and passive voices judiciously to achieve desired effects.
2. Negative Contractions
| Full Form | Contraction | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
is not
|
isn't
|
The car isn't washed.
|
|
are not
|
aren't
|
The cars aren't washed.
|
|
was not
|
wasn't
|
The car wasn't washed.
|
|
were not
|
weren't
|
The cars weren't washed.
|
Passive Voice Tense Formation
| Tense | Subject | To Be | Past Participle | Example |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Present Simple
|
The car
|
is
|
washed
|
The car is washed.
|
|
Present Simple
|
The cars
|
are
|
washed
|
The cars are washed.
|
|
Past Simple
|
The car
|
was
|
washed
|
The car was washed.
|
|
Past Simple
|
The cars
|
were
|
washed
|
The cars were washed.
|
|
Present Continuous
|
The car
|
is being
|
washed
|
The car is being washed.
|
|
Present Perfect
|
The car
|
has been
|
washed
|
The car has been washed.
|
|
Future (Will)
|
The car
|
will be
|
washed
|
The car will be washed.
|
|
Modals
|
The car
|
must be
|
washed
|
The car must be washed.
|
Meanings
A grammatical construction where the subject is the recipient of the action rather than the performer.
Unknown Agent
Used when we don't know who performed the action.
“My bike was stolen last night.”
“The window was broken while I was out.”
Obvious Agent
Used when the performer of the action is so obvious it doesn't need mentioning.
“The thief was arrested.”
“The crops are harvested in autumn.”
Formal/Scientific Objectivity
Used to sound objective and professional by removing the 'I' or 'We'.
“The chemicals were mixed in a beaker.”
“The results were analyzed carefully.”
Reference Table
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
|
Affirmative
|
Obj + be + V3
|
The room is cleaned.
|
|
Negative
|
Obj + be + not + V3
|
The room isn't cleaned.
|
|
Question
|
Be + Obj + V3?
|
Is the room cleaned?
|
|
With Agent
|
Obj + be + V3 + by + Agent
|
The room is cleaned by Mark.
|
|
Past Affirmative
|
Obj + was/were + V3
|
The room was cleaned.
|
|
Past Negative
|
Obj + wasn't/weren't + V3
|
The room wasn't cleaned.
|
|
Past Question
|
Was/Were + Obj + V3?
|
Was the room cleaned?
|
|
Short Answer
|
Yes, it was / No, it wasn't
|
Was it cleaned? Yes, it was.
|
Formality Spectrum
The requested documentation has been processed. (Workplace)
The paperwork was finished this morning. (Workplace)
The forms are all done. (Workplace)
It's all sorted, mate. (Workplace)
Active vs Passive Focus
Active
- Subject (Doer) The Chef
- Verb Cooks
- Object The Meal
Passive
- Subject (Receiver) The Meal
- Verb (Be + V3) Is Cooked
- Agent (Optional) By the Chef
When to use Passive
Passive Voice Decision Tree
Is the 'doer' known?
Is the object more important?
Common Passive Verbs
Creation
- • Built
- • Written
- • Made
- • Painted
Destruction
- • Broken
- • Damaged
- • Destroyed
- • Stolen
Examples by Level
The car is washed.
The pizza is eaten.
The windows are closed.
The book was lost.
The house was built in 2010.
These shoes are made in Italy.
The thief was caught by the police.
Was the homework finished?
The application was rejected because it was late.
The meeting is held in the main hall every Friday.
Many languages are spoken in this city.
The bridge was damaged during the storm.
The suspect is being questioned by the detectives now.
The project should have been completed last week.
It is believed that the company is facing bankruptcy.
The data was collected over a six-month period.
The decision was made with the utmost care.
Rarely is such a discovery made in this field.
The building is said to be haunted.
He was given a standing ovation after his speech.
The proposal was met with considerable skepticism.
Provision was made for the possibility of a delay.
The artifacts are thought to have been smuggled out of the country.
No effort was spared in the search for survivors.
Easily Confused
Learners confuse 'The window was broken (by someone)' with 'The window was broken (state/adjective)'.
Learners confuse 'is done' with 'has done'.
Some verbs look active but feel passive, like 'The book sells well'.
Common Mistakes
The cake eaten.
The cake was eaten.
The car is wash.
The car is washed.
I was borned in London.
I was born in London.
The window broke by me.
The window was broken by me.
The letters was sent.
The letters were sent.
The book written by him.
The book was written by him.
Is the dinner cook?
Is the dinner cooked?
The house was builded in 1990.
The house was built in 1990.
It was happened yesterday.
It happened yesterday.
The work is being do.
The work is being done.
The car was got stolen.
The car was stolen / The car got stolen.
He is said to have been went.
He is said to have gone.
The problem was explained me.
The problem was explained to me.
Sentence Patterns
The ___ was ___ in ___.
___ are ___ every day.
It is ___ that ___.
The ___ hasn't been ___ yet.
Real World Usage
Thousands of homes destroyed by flood.
Made in Vietnam. Batteries not included.
The flight has been delayed.
The eggs are beaten until fluffy.
I was given the 'Employee of the Month' award.
My bike got stolen! :(
The 'By' Test
Intransitive Verbs
Polite Complaints
Scientific Writing
Smart Tips
Use the passive to avoid sounding like you are blaming someone.
Check if it's an adjective or a passive verb by trying to add 'by someone'.
Don't say 'Someone...'. Use the passive voice instead.
Use the present simple passive to focus on the steps.
Pronunciation
Stress on Participle
In passive sentences, the main stress usually falls on the past participle, not the 'be' verb.
Weak 'was'
The word 'was' is usually unstressed and pronounced as /wəz/.
Falling intonation for statements
The bridge was built in 1890. ↘
Conveys a completed fact.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
BE + V3 = Passive for me! (Be verb + Past Participle).
Visual Association
Imagine a robot being built in a factory. We don't see the workers, only the robot (the object) moving through the stages of being 'made', 'painted', and 'shipped'.
Rhyme
When the doer is a mystery, use the passive for history!
Story
A man wakes up and finds his car is gone. He tells the police, 'My car was stolen!' He doesn't say 'A thief stole it' because he didn't see the thief. The car is the star of his story.
Word Web
Challenge
Look around your room. Find 5 things and say how they were made or where they were bought using the passive voice (e.g., 'This lamp was bought in IKEA').
Cultural Notes
The passive voice is the 'bread and butter' of news. It allows reporters to remain neutral and avoid blaming individuals before a trial.
In Western universities, using 'I' in a science paper is often discouraged. The passive voice is used to make the research seem universal and objective.
Contracts use the passive to define obligations without naming specific employees, focusing on the company as an entity.
The English passive voice evolved from Old English, which used 'weorthan' (to become) or 'beon' (to be) with a participle.
Conversation Starters
Where was your favorite piece of clothing made?
Have you ever had something stolen?
What is a famous building in your city? When was it built?
How are traditional holidays celebrated in your country?
Journal Prompts
Common Mistakes
Test Yourself
The Mona Lisa ___ (paint) by Leonardo da Vinci.
Choose the correct option:
Find and fix the mistake:
The windows are clean every Saturday.
Passive form:
You can use the passive voice with the verb 'to sleep'.
A: Why is the road closed? B: An accident ___ (report) ten minutes ago.
Which of these is passive?
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
Score: /8
Practice Exercises
8 exercisesThe Mona Lisa ___ (paint) by Leonardo da Vinci.
Choose the correct option:
Find and fix the mistake:
The windows are clean every Saturday.
Passive form:
You can use the passive voice with the verb 'to sleep'.
A: Why is the road closed? B: An accident ___ (report) ten minutes ago.
Which of these is passive?
Write -> ?
Score: /8
Practice Bank
12 exercisesAll assignments ___ online by midnight on Sunday.
The latest episode released last night.
Which sentence is correct?
Translate into English: 'Das Museum wird gerade renoviert.'
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Match the subjects with the correct passive verb forms:
The data ___ carefully analyzed before making a decision.
Many applications submitted for the new role.
Which sentence is correct?
Translate into English: 'Neue Produkte werden oft in sozialen Medien beworben.'
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Match the beginnings with their correct endings:
Score: /12
FAQ (8)
Avoid it when the 'doer' is important or when you want to be direct and energetic. 'I love you' is much better than 'You are loved by me'!
No! In fact, we omit 'by' in about 80% of passive sentences because the doer is unknown or obvious.
'Was broken' is standard and neutral. 'Got broken' is informal and often implies the event was accidental or unfortunate.
Yes! Use 'will be' + V3. For example: 'The results will be published tomorrow.'
No, but overusing it can make writing sound dry or evasive. Use it when the focus truly belongs on the object.
Swap the subject and the 'be' verb. 'The car was fixed' becomes 'Was the car fixed?'
Only transitive verbs (verbs that take an object) can be passive. You can't say 'The bed was slept' because 'sleep' doesn't have an object.
Yes! In English, being born is something that happens to you, so we always use the passive form.
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
Voz pasiva (ser + participio) / Pasiva refleja (se)
English uses the passive much more frequently than Spanish in everyday speech.
La voix passive (être + participe passé)
French participles change endings (e.g., mangé vs mangée); English ones never do.
Passiv (werden + Partizip II)
German uses 'become' (werden) as the auxiliary, while English uses 'be'.
受身 (ukemi)
Japanese uses a suffix on the main verb; English uses an auxiliary verb.
المبني للمجهول (al-mabni lil-majhul)
Arabic uses vowel shifts within the verb; English uses 'be' + V3.
被字句 (bèi zì jù)
Chinese 'bèi' is a particle, not a verb conjugation, and often carries a negative connotation.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
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