PASSIVE TENSE - Mind map

Most verb forms have an active and passive form.

We use a passive sentence when the object (passive) is more important than the active
subject (agent) , or the agent (performer of the action) is unidentifiable.

To create a passive sentence:

1. Name the object (which becomes the subject of the sentence)
2. substitute the active verb with the verb ‘to be’ in the same tense
3. add the past participle (3rd column) of the active verb.
4. if the agent /performer of the action is necessary or useful, put ‘by’ then name the agent
5. finish the sentence.

Example:

ACTIVE John washes the car every Monday. Active verb: present simple

Verb ‘be’ present simple +

PASSIVE The car is washed by John every Monday. Active verb past participle

ACTIVE
ACTIVE Did he wash the car yesterday or early this morning?

PASSIVE
PASSIVE Was the car washed yesterday or early this morning?

The children are washing the car.

The car is being washed by the children.

They have washed the car. Someone has washed the car.

The car has been washed. by them /someone is deductive

and adds no useful information.

They will clean it at the carwash tomorrow.

It will be cleaned at the carwash tomorrow.

He was cleaning the car when it started to rain.

The car was being cleaned when it started to rain.

They had just cleaned the car when it started to rain.

The car had just been cleaned when it started to rain.