Language Practice

Upper-intermediate

Grammar reference    Intermediate 08 The Oscars

The passive
Subject + be + past participle
We use the passive when we are more interested in an action than the
person doing the action.
This film was selected to be in the local film festival. The announcement
is displayed in several cinemas. It has been seen by hundreds of people.
The film will be shown at the Town Hall. Snacks might be included in
the ticket purchase.
If we want to mention the person doing the action, we use by.
This film was directed by a university student.
If we want to make a negative passive sentence, we add not to the
auxiliary verb. We usually use the short form of the negative.
This film wasn’t selected to be in the local film festival.
It hasn’t been seen by many people.
The film won’t be shown at our local cinema.
To form passive questions, we put the auxiliary verb before the subject.
Was this film selected to be in the local film festival?
Has it been seen by many people?
Will the film be shown at the Town Hall?

Present simple passive

Subject + is/are + past participle
The film is shown in this cinema.
The films are shown in this cinema.

Present continuous passive

Subject + is being/are being + past participle
The film is being shown every day this week.
The films are being shown every day this week.

Past simple passive

Subject + was/were + past participle
This film was directed by a university student.
These films were directed by a university student.

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 Language Practice
Upper-intermediate

Grammar reference    Intermediate 08 The Oscars (continued)

Present perfect passive
Subject + has been/have been + past participle
The preview has been seen by many people.
The previews have been seen by many people.

Past perfect passive

Subject + had been + past participle
Before today, none of the films had been announced.

Future passive
Subject + will be + past participle
A prize will be given to the winner of the festival.

Passive with modal verbs

Subject + modal verb + be + past participle
The ticket can be purchased online.
The ticket might be purchased online.
The ticket must be purchased online.
The ticket should be purchased online.