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
Your order can be tracked 而不是 We are tracking your order？欢迎来到“带情态动词的被动语态”世界。它听起来有点高级，有点正式，但其实它只是为了把聚光灯移开。在主动语态中，我们关心的是“谁”做的。在被动语态中，主角变成了“事情”本身。当我们加入 can（可以）、must（必须）或 should（应该）这类情态动词时，我们增加了可能或必要的语气。这就像给你的句子做了个职业美化。当你想要表现得礼貌、客观，或者不想直接指责某人时，它是完美的选择。别担心，它不像听起来那么可怕。如果你能在 App 上订咖啡，你就能掌握这个语法。How This Grammar Works
你（英雄）必须签署（动作）合同（目标）。 但如果合同才是明星呢？这就是被动语态登场的时候了。我们把目标移到最前面。英雄通常会消失，因为他不是重点。我们用情态动词来表达感受（是否允许？是否强制？），然后加上 be 作为“桥梁”。最后，使用过去分词（V3）来完成动作。这是一个团队协作。这就是 我能修理这个 和 这个可以被修理 之间的区别。一个是关于你的能力，另一个是关于解决方案。
Formation Pattern
can, must, should 等）。
be（它永远不会变！）。
done, seen, written）。
The file (主语) + should (情态动词) + be (桥梁) + uploaded (V3).
not：The file should not be uploaded. 疑问句？把情态动词移到最前面：Should the file be uploaded? 就像乐高积木一样，按顺序拼好就行。
When To Use It
- 官方规定：
Masks must be worn inside.（谁说的并不重要，戴上口罩就行！）。 - 说明书：
The battery should be charged for 2 hours. - App/社交媒体：
Your password can be reset here. - 委婉的建议：
This mistake could be avoided.（这比直接指责别人好听多了）。 - 正式写作：
The results will be published next week.
Common Mistakes
- 漏掉
be： 很多人会说The door must closed.不对！你需要桥梁：The door must be closed. - 动词形式错误： 不要用原型。永远用过去分词：
It can be fixed（而不是fix）。 - 与
to混淆：can或must这种情态动词从不带to。不要说It must to be done。 - 主语混乱：
You can be sent the email的意思是你本人会被邮寄出去！正确的是The email can be sent to you。
be 和 V3。Contrast With Similar Patterns
- 普通被动：
The cake is eaten.（目前的事实）。 - 情态被动：
The cake can be eaten.（可能性/许可）。 - 情态主动：
You can eat the cake.（关注点在于你和你的胃口）。
will 是承诺，must 是严格的命令。Quick FAQ
我可以用 by 来表达是谁做的吗？
可以！The song was written by Taylor Swift。但如果人并不重要，我们通常会省略它。
这只是为了正式写作吗？
并非如此！家里也经常用：This needs to be cleaned（通常伴随着一声叹息）。
can be 总代表许可吗？
不，它也代表可能性：It can be cold in London。
最常用的情态动词是什么？
规则用 Should 和 must；技术用 can；温和建议用 could。
面试时能用吗？
当然！My skills can be applied to this role 会让你听起来非常专业。
所有动词都适用吗？
不，没有宾语的动词（如 happen 或 arrive）不能用于被动语态。
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.
|
正式程度
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
按水平分级的例句
It can be done.
It can be done.
The door must be closed.
The door must be closed.
Can it be fixed?
Can it be fixed?
The food should be hot.
The food should be hot.
The homework must be finished today.
The homework must be finished today.
The windows should be opened.
The windows should be opened.
This book can be borrowed from the library.
This book can be borrowed from the library.
The car cannot be parked here.
The car cannot be parked here.
The package might be delivered tomorrow.
The package might be delivered tomorrow.
All applications must be submitted online.
All applications must be submitted online.
The meeting could be cancelled due to the storm.
The meeting could be cancelled due to the storm.
Should the medicine be taken with food?
Should the medicine be taken with food?
The results will be published once the data has been verified.
The results will be published once the data has been verified.
Safety regulations must be strictly adhered to.
Safety regulations must be strictly adhered to.
The project ought to be completed by the end of the quarter.
The project ought to be completed by the end of the quarter.
Can any improvements be made to the current system?
Can any improvements be made to the current system?
The implications of this policy must be carefully considered.
The implications of this policy must be carefully considered.
It could be argued that the economy is recovering.
It could be argued that the economy is recovering.
The manuscript may be viewed only with special permission.
The manuscript may be viewed only with special permission.
Such behavior will not be tolerated in this establishment.
Such behavior will not be tolerated in this establishment.
The gravity of the situation can hardly be overstated.
The gravity of the situation can hardly be overstated.
Provision must be made for future contingencies.
Provision must be made for future contingencies.
The nuances of the text might be lost in translation.
The nuances of the text might be lost in translation.
It is imperative that the confidentiality of the source be maintained.
It is imperative that the confidentiality of the source be maintained.
容易混淆
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.
常见错误
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.
句型
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.
发音
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.
记住它
记忆技巧
Remember 'MBP': Modal, Be, Participle. It's the 'Most Beautiful Pattern'!
视觉联想
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
挑战
Look around your room and find 3 things that 'must be done' (e.g., 'The bed must be made'). Write them down.
文化笔记
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.
对话开场白
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?
日记主题
常见错误
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
练习题
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
常见问题 (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
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