Passive Voice

The passive voice is used when focusing on the person or thing affected by an action.

• The Passive is formed: Passive Subject + To Be + Past Particple

The house was built in 1989.

• It is often used in business when the object of the action is more important than
those who perform the action.

For Example:

We have produced over 20 different models in the past two years. Changes to: Over 20
different models have been produced in the past two years.

• If the agent is important (the person, company or thing that does the action) , use
"by"

For Example: Tim Wilson wrote "The Flight to Brunnswick" in 1987. Changes to:"The
Flight to Brunnswick" was written in 1987 by Tim Wilson.

• Only verbs that take an object can be used in the passive voice.

Passive Voice Structure

Active Passive Time Reference

They make Fords in Cologne. Fords are made in Cologne.

Present Simple

Susan is cooking dinner. Dinner is being cooked by Susan

Present Continuous

James Joyce wrote "Dubliners". "Dubliners" was written by James

Joyces.
Past Simple

They were painting the house The house was being painted
when I arrived. when I arrived.
Past Continuous

They have produced over 20 Over 20 models have been

models in the past two years. produced in the past two years.
Present Perfect

They are going to build a new A new factory is going to be built

factory in Portland. in Portland.
Future Intention
with Going to
 I will finish it tomorrow. It will be finished tomorrow.

Future Simple

1. They arrested her last week.

2. John wrote a letter.

3. They invited ten friends to the party.

4. They have just built a new house.

5. The police caught the thieves yesterday.

6. The maid will clean all the house for tomorrow.

7. My brother hit me.

8. They removed two cars from the street.

9. They have just cleaned the room.

10. We will build a new house.