B1 · Intermediário Capítulo 29

Foco na Ação: Domine a Voz Passiva e Ganhe Polimento

7 Regras totais
73 exemplos
6 min
Regras neste capítulo Prática rápida

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.

O que você vai aprender

Você já sentiu que suas frases em inglês às vezes parecem diretas demais? Para soar mais natural e profissional, o segredo é dominar a voz passiva. Neste capítulo, você vai aprender a mudar o foco do 'quem' para o 'quê', uma habilidade essencial para o nível intermediário. Vamos explorar desde o Present e Past Simple Passive (como em 'is made' e 'was sent') até o uso de modais para falar sobre o que 'pode ser feito' (can be done). Imagine que você está escrevendo um e-mail formal ou relatando um fato: saber usar verbos de relato como 'It is said that...' (Diz-se que...) dará a você um ar de objetividade e sofisticação, digno de um noticiário. Além disso, vamos desvendar a estrutura 'have something done', perfeita para situações do dia a dia, como quando você manda consertar o carro ou corta o cabelo e quer ser preciso sobre quem realizou o serviço. Ao concluir este capítulo, você será capaz de descrever processos, relatar eventos históricos e delegar tarefas com total confiança. Você deixará de apenas 'montar frases' para construir uma narrativa polida e envolvente, ganhando a flexibilidade necessária para se expressar em qualquer ambiente, do casual ao corporativo. Vamos elevar o nível do seu inglês?

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'.

Guia do capítulo

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.

Exemplos-chave (8)

1

English is spoken in many countries.

O inglês é falado em muitos países.

A Voz Passiva: Foco nas Ações (Passiva no Presente Simples)
2

New products are launched every season.

Novos produtos são lançados toda temporada.

A Voz Passiva: Foco nas Ações (Passiva no Presente Simples)
3

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

O e-mail `pode ser enviado` para todos os participantes após a revisão final.

Voz Passiva com Modais: Pode Ser Feito
4

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

Anúncios importantes `deveriam ser publicados` no portal do estudante regularmente.

Voz Passiva com Modais: Pode Ser Feito
5

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

Diz-se que o novo filme é fantástico; todo mundo está falando dele no TikTok.

Voz Passiva: Verbos de Relato (Diz-se que...)
6

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

Espera-se que o CEO anuncie mudanças significativas durante a reunião do Zoom amanhã.

Voz Passiva: Verbos de Relato (Diz-se que...)
7

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

Dizem que a nova cafeteria tem os melhores lattes de matcha.

Voz Passiva para Objetividade: 'Diz-se que...'
8

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

Acredita-se que ela seja uma das programadoras mais inovadoras da equipe.

Voz Passiva para Objetividade: 'Diz-se que...'

Dicas e truques (4)

💡

Foco no Resultado

A Voz Passiva Simples no presente dá mais destaque ao *resultado* ou à *ação*, não a quem fez. Pense: o 'agente' é importante aqui? Se não, a passiva é sua amiga:
The problem is solved.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: A Voz Passiva: Foco nas Ações (Passiva no Presente Simples)
💡

Pense em 'Quem faz' vs 'Quem recebe'

Se o sujeito da frase não está *fazendo* a ação, provavelmente é voz passiva! Seu objeto vira o foco.
The door was opened by someone.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Voz Passiva com Modais: Pode Ser Feito
💡

Escolha o 'it' certo

Lembre-se de usar 'It is said that...' quando quiser fazer uma afirmação geral ou não especificar quem está falando. É como um 'dizem por aí' universal:
It is said that practice makes perfect.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Voz Passiva: Verbos de Relato (Diz-se que...)
🎯

Escolha o Padrão Certo

Se a sua ideia é focar na *informação*, use 'It is said that...'. Mas se você quer destacar a *pessoa ou coisa* que está sendo falada, vá de 'He is said to be...'. Os dois estão certos, mas um pode soar melhor que o outro!
It is said that the new restaurant is amazing
vs.
The new restaurant is said to be amazing
.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Voz Passiva para Objetividade: 'Diz-se que...'

Vocabulário-chave (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

Erros comuns

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

Regras neste capítulo (7)

1

A Voz Passiva: Foco nas Ações (Passiva no Presente Simples)

B1
Dominar a Voz Passiva Simples no presente deixa seu inglês mais preciso, principalmente quando o 'quem' não é importante.
English is spoken in many countries.
10 exemplos
2

Voz Passiva com Modais: Pode Ser Feito

B1
Olha só, você vai falar sobre possibilidades, necessidades e obrigações de um jeito super natural, combinando os verbos modais com a voz passiva. É tipo mágica!
The email `can be sent` to all participants after...
12 exemplos
3

Voz Passiva: Verbos de Relato (Diz-se que...)

B1
Dominar os verbos de relato na voz passiva faz seu inglês soar mais formal, objetivo e com nuances.
It is said that the new movie is fantastic; everyo...
12 exemplos
4

Voz Passiva para Objetividade: 'Diz-se que...'

B1
Domine a voz passiva para reportar informações com objetividade e elegância, tipo um jornalista fera!
It is said that the new coffee shop has the best m...
12 exemplos
5

Voz Passiva: Coisas que acontecem a coisas (é feito, foi enviado)

B1
Dominar a voz passiva deixa seu inglês mais flexible e expressive, principalmente quando você foca nas actions.
The new university building is being constructed r...
12 exemplos
6

Passiva Simples no Passado: Ações Concluídas (foi/foram feito/a/s)

B1
Para ser um craque na voz passiva, você precisa dominar o uso de was/were com o past participle, e aí o foco da sua frase muda do doer para o receiver.
The email `was sent` this morning.
10 exemplos
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 exemplos

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: E se...? Dominando Sonhos e Hipóteses com o Second Conditional

Prática rápida (10)

Escolha a forma correta para completar a frase.

The new policy ___ expected to increase student engagement.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: is
O sujeito 'The new policy' é singular, então ele requer a forma singular de 'be', que é 'is'. A estrutura é 'It is expected that...' ou 'Subject is expected to...'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Voz Passiva para Objetividade: 'Diz-se que...'

Encontre e corrija o erro na frase.

Find and fix the mistake:

The books was delivered yesterday.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: The books were delivered yesterday.
O sujeito 'books' está no plural, então precisa de 'were', não 'was'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Passiva Simples no Passado: Ações Concluídas (foi/foram feito/a/s)

Qual frase usa a voz passiva corretamente?

Choose the correct sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: My laptop was repaired last week.
A forma passiva correta exige 'was' (forma de 'to be') e 'repaired' (particípio passado).

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Voz Passiva: Coisas que acontecem a coisas (é feito, foi enviado)

Choose the correct sentence.

Which sentence is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I had my hair cut.
Correct causative structure.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Have Something Done: Arranging for Someone Else to Do It

Correct the sentence.

Find and fix the mistake:

He had his wallet steal.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: He had his wallet stolen.
Past participle required.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Have Something Done: Arranging for Someone Else to Do It

Qual frase usa corretamente a Voz Passiva Simples no Passado?

Choose the correct sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: The project was completed on time.
O sujeito 'project' é singular, exigindo 'was', e 'completed' é o particípio passado correto.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Passiva Simples no Passado: Ações Concluídas (foi/foram feito/a/s)

Complete the sentence.

I will ___ my roof replaced next month.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: have
Will + base form.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Have Something Done: Arranging for Someone Else to Do It

Qual frase usa corretamente a voz passiva com um modal?

Choose the correct sentence:

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: These instructions can be followed.
A estrutura correta para a voz passiva com modal é modal + be + past participle. 'Followed' é o particípio passado de 'follow'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Voz Passiva com Modais: Pode Ser Feito

Escolha a forma correta da voz passiva para completar a frase.

The new update ___ on all devices yesterday afternoon.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: was rolled out
O sujeito 'update' é singular e a ação aconteceu 'yesterday afternoon' (passado), então 'was rolled out' está correto.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: Voz Passiva: Coisas que acontecem a coisas (é feito, foi enviado)

Escolha a forma correta para completar a frase.

French ___ in Quebec.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: is spoken
Francês ('French') é singular, então usamos 'is'. O 'past participle' de 'speak' é 'spoken'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: A Voz Passiva: Foco nas Ações (Passiva no Presente Simples)

Score: /10

Perguntas comuns (6)

O objetivo principal é destacar a ação e quem recebe a ação, em vez da pessoa ou coisa que a executa. É ótimo quando o agente é desconhecido ou não importante, tipo:
The dishes are washed daily.
Você forma com a conjugação correta do verbo 'to be' (am, is, ou are) seguido pelo 'past participle' (V3) do verbo principal. Por exemplo:
The emails are sent.
É sobre combinar um verbo modal (como can, should, must) com a estrutura da voz passiva (be + past participle) para falar sobre ações onde o 'doer' é desconhecido, sem importância ou óbvio. O foco é na ação ou no receptor da ação, como em 'The work must be completed.'
Você a usa quando a própria ação, ou o objeto que recebe a ação, é mais importante do que quem a realiza. Isso também torna a linguagem mais formal, objetiva ou educada. Por exemplo, 'The announcement will be made soon' é menos direto do que 'Someone will make the announcement soon'.
Verbos de relato são verbos como 'say', 'think', 'believe', 'know', etc., que usamos para contar o que outra pessoa disse ou pensou. Na voz passiva, eles nos ajudam a informar sem ter que especificar a fonte original. Tipo um 'disse-me um passarinho'.
Essa estrutura é usada quando a fonte da informação é geral, desconhecida ou não é importante. Ela cria um tom mais formal e objetivo, focando no fato relatado. Por exemplo:
It is believed that the market will recover
(Acredita-se que o mercado irá se recuperar).
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A Arte de Conectar o Tempo: Dominando os Tempos Perfeitos
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E se...? Dominando Sonhos e Hipóteses com o Second Conditional
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