B1 · 中级 章节 29

换个视角：解锁被动语态的进阶用法

7 总规则
73 例句
6 分钟
本章规则 快速练习

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.

你将学到什么

嘿！准备好给你的英语“加点料”了吗？到了 B1 阶段，如果说话总是重复“谁做了什么”，表达难免显得有些单调。在这一章，我们将一起解锁“被动语态”，教你学会把焦点从“执行者”转移到“动作本身”，让你的表达更有深度、更专业！ 你将系统地掌握一般现在时和一般过去时的被动语态（is made, was sent），这在描述客观事实或分享新闻时非常关键。更酷的是，我们还会挑战像“It is said that...”这样的高级报道句式，让你说话自带“新闻主播”的严谨范儿。此外，你还将学会如何使用“Have something done”来描述找人理发或修车等生活服务——这可是区分英语新手和地道玩家的分水岭！ 学完这章，你将不再受限于简单的句子结构。无论是撰写正式报告，还是在社交场合委婉地陈述事实，你都能游刃有余。准备好让你的英语听起来更高级、更自然了吗？让我们开始吧！

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'.

章节指南

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.

关键例句 (8)

1

English is spoken in many countries.

许多国家都说英语。

被动语态：侧重行动（一般现在时被动语态）
2

New products are launched every season.

每个季度都会发布新产品。

被动语态：侧重行动（一般现在时被动语态）
3

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

El correo electrónico puede ser enviado a todos los participantes después de la revisión final.

情态动词的被动语态：可以做到
4

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

Los anuncios importantes deberían ser publicados en el portal estudiantil regularmente.

情态动词的被动语态：可以做到
5

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

Se dice que la nueva película es fantástica; todo el mundo está hablando de ella en TikTok.

被动语态：转述动词（据说...）
6

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

Se espera que el CEO anuncie cambios significativos durante la reunión de Zoom de mañana.

被动语态：转述动词（据说...）
7

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

Se dice que la nueva cafetería tiene los mejores lattes de matcha.

客观性被动语态: '据说...'
8

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

Se cree que ella es una de las programadoras más innovadoras del equipo.

客观性被动语态: '据说...'

技巧与窍门 (4)

💡

关注结果

被动语态强调的是结果或动作本身。问问自己：执行者重要吗？如果不重要，就用被动语态，比如
The window is broken.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 被动语态：侧重行动（一般现在时被动语态）
🎯

The 'By' Test

If you can add 'by zombies' to the end of your sentence and it still makes sense grammatically, it's a passive sentence! (e.g., 'The door must be opened... by zombies.')
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 情态动词的被动语态：可以做到
🎯

The 'Distance' Trick

Use this when you want to disagree with someone politely. Instead of 'You are wrong', say 'It is thought by some that your approach might have issues'.
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 被动语态：转述动词（据说...）
💡

The News Anchor Test

If you aren't sure if 'It is said that' sounds right, imagine a news anchor saying it. If it sounds natural on the news, it's probably correct!
frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 客观性被动语态: '据说...'

核心词汇 (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

常见错误

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

本章规则 (7)

1

被动语态：侧重行动（一般现在时被动语态）

B1
当你更关心“发生了什么”而不是“谁做的”时，被动语态就是你的好帮手。记住 am/is/are 和 past participle 这两个黄金搭档。
English is spoken in many countries.
10 例句
2

情态动词的被动语态：可以做到

B1
Discuss possibilities, necessities, and obligations effortlessly by combining modals with the passive voice.
The email `can be sent` to all participants after...
12 例句
3

被动语态：转述动词（据说...）

B1
Mastering passive reporting verbs makes your English sound more formal, objective, and nuanced.
It is said that the new movie is fantastic; everyo...
12 例句
4

客观性被动语态: '据说...'

B1
Master the passive for reporting to sound objective and polished, just like a news anchor!
It is said that the new coffee shop has the best m...
12 例句
5

被动语态：事物被动地发生（被制造，被发送）

B1
掌握被动语态让你的表达更灵活，重点在于“动作本身”。记住核心公式：be + past participle。
The new university building is being constructed r...
12 例句
6

一般过去时被动语态：已完成的动作 (被做了/完成了)

B1
Master the Past Simple Passive to shift focus from doer to receiver and sound more natural.
The email `was sent` this morning.
10 例句
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 例句

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: 假如生命有“如果”：解锁第二条件句

快速练习 (10)

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

Find the mistake.

Find and fix the mistake:

Is said that the movie is very long.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: Is said
It should be 'It is said'. Every English sentence needs a subject.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 被动语态：转述动词（据说...）

找出并修正句子中的错误。

Find and fix the mistake:

The new rules announcing today.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: The new rules are announced today.
主语 rules 是复数，需要用 are。announce 的过去分词是 announced。

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 被动语态：侧重行动（一般现在时被动语态）

Which sentence is the most formal?

Choose the best option for an academic essay.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: It is thought that the results are incorrect.
The impersonal passive is the standard for formal academic writing.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 客观性被动语态: '据说...'

Find the mistake.

Find and fix the mistake:

I had my house paint.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: I had my house painted.
Need past participle.

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

Complete the sentence with the correct form of 'be' and the verb in brackets.

It ___ (believe) that the ancient city was very large.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: is believed
We need 'is' + the past participle 'believed'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 客观性被动语态: '据说...'

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

Complete the sentence with the correct form of the verb in brackets.

The application form must ___ (sign) by the applicant.

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: be signed
The formula is Modal (must) + be + Past Participle (signed).

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 情态动词的被动语态：可以做到

Choose the correct passive sentence.

Which sentence is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: The pyramids were built by Egyptians.
'Pyramids' is plural (were) and 'built' is the correct V3.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 一般过去时被动语态：已完成的动作 (被做了/完成了)

Choose the correct passive sentence.

Which sentence is correct?

✓ Correct! ✗ Not quite. Correct answer: The car can be fixed tomorrow.
We need 'be' and the past participle 'fixed'.

frontend.learn_grammar.from_rule: 情态动词的被动语态：可以做到

Score: /10

常见问题 (6)

它的主要目的是突出动作和动作的承受者，而不是执行者。当执行者未知或不重要时非常有用，比如
The dishes are washed daily.
使用 be 动词的正确形式（am, is, are）加上动词的过去分词（V3）。例如：
The emails are sent.
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.
You can! But 'It is said' is more formal and objective. It's better for writing.
No, only verbs of thinking (believe, think), saying (report, claim), or knowing (know, understand).
上一章
玩转时态：掌握英语完成时的进阶表达
下一章
假如生命有“如果”：解锁第二条件句
返回学习路线