Theory
PASSIVE VOICE in simple steps
Step 1. Find the object of the verb and use it to start the passive sentence.
Step 2. Spot the verb and identify the tense.
Step 3. According to the formula of the passive voice {BE + PAST
PARTICIPLE} put the verb “ to be” in the tense of the main verb and the
main verb ALWAYS in the past participle.
Step 4. If the doer (the agent) needs to be mentioned use BY (not from)
and add it at the end of the new passive sentence.
BE + PAST PARTICIPLE
1. PRESENT SIMPLE {is/are done}
Active:
The engineer uses an electrical field to separate the electrons from the electron
1
2,3
4
holes.
Passive:
An electrical field is used by the engineer to separate the electrons from the electron
4
2,3
1
holes.
2. PAST SIMPLE {was/were done}
Active:
The engineer used an electrical field to separate the electrons from the electron
1
2,3
4
holes.
Passive:
An electrical field was used by the engineer to separate the electrons from the
4
2,3
1
electron holes.
3. PRESENT CONTINUOUS {is/are being done}
Active:
The engineer is using an electrical field to separate the electrons from the electron
1
2,3
4
holes.
Passive:
An electrical field is being used by the engineer to separate the electrons from the
4
2,3
1
electron holes.
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4. PAST CONTINUOUS {was/were being done}
Active:
The engineer was using an electrical field to separate the electrons from the
electron.
1
2,3
4
holes.
Passive:
An electrical field was being used by the engineer to separate the electrons from the
4
2,3
1
electron holes.
5. PRESENT PERFECT {has/have been done}
Active:
The engineer has used an electrical field to separate the electrons from the
1
2,3
4
electron holes.
Passive:
An electrical field has been used by the engineer to separate the electrons from the
4
2,3
1
electron holes.
6. PAST PERFECT {had been done}
Active:
The engineer had used an electrical field to separate the electrons from the
1
2,3
4
electron holes.
Passive:
An electrical field had been used by the engineer to separate the electrons from the
4
2,3
1
electron holes.
7. MODAL VERBS {will/may… be done}
Will
Can
Could
Must
+ BE + PAST PARTICIPLE
Should
Would
Had to
May
Used to
Ought to
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Active:
The engineer can use an electrical field to separate the electrons from the electron
1
2,3
4
holes.
Passive:
An electrical field can be used by the engineer to separate the electrons from the
4
2,3
1
electron holes.
Personal/Impersonal constructions:
Are used with verbs believe, consider, expect, know, report, say, think, understand
etc. For example:
Active:
People think that engineers are highly intelligent. (Present action)
Passive:
a) It is thought that engineers are highly intelligent.
b) Engineers are thought to be highly intelligent.
Active:
People believe that ancient Egyptians invented the elevator. (Past action)
Passive:
a)
It is believed that ancient Egyptians invented the elevator.
b)
Ancient Egyptians are believed to have invented the elevator.
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