SUMMARY 4.

1
TOPIC: PASSIVE VOICE IN PRESENT
CONCEPT & STRUCTURE I

We use the passive voice when the subject isn´t doing the action. This is usually because the doer
of the actions is obvious, unknown, or unimportant.

Function

The passive voice is used to show interest in the person or thing that is the object of an action,
instead of the person or thing that performs the action. In other words, the most important
person or thing becomes the subject of the sentence.

The passive voice is usually used in formal texts. Switching to the active voice will make what you
write clearer and easier to read.

Composition

In passive voice we always use the auxiliary “to be” in affirmative or negative + a verb in past
participle. This is the structure of the passive voice in present.

General structure
Type Grammar structure Example
Affirmative Subject + Auxiliary + Verb in past The tenants are given a
participle copy of the regulations.
Negative Subject + Auxiliary (-) + Verb in past The building isn´t painted
participle every month.
Interrogative Question word + Auxiliary + Subject + Q: When is the trash picked
Verb in past participle up?
A: It is picked up on
Tuesdays.

Note: The question word is not mandatory if you ask YES and NO.

Examples:

Active voice Passive voice

Mr Jones watches films. Films are watched by Mr Jones.
The people speak English. English is spoken by the people.
He doesn´t read comics. Comics aren´t read by him.
They don´t sing the song.  The song isn´t sung by them.
Does Jim write the letter? Is the letter written by Jim?

Teacher James Contact: (55) 83281274 / jg175120@gmail.com