English Grammar - Passive

Use

It is of no real interest who caused the action.

Form

- object of the "active" sentence is the subject in the "passive" sentence

- verb is changed (to be + past participle)
- subject of the "active" sentence is "object" of the "passive" sentence" (or is left out)

active: Peter builds a house.

passive: A house is built by Peter.

Examples

active: Peter builds a house.

Simple Present
passive: A house is built by Peter.

active: Peter built a house.

Simple Past
passive: A house was built by Peter.

active: Peter has built a house.

Present Perfect
passive: A house has been built by Peter.

active: Peter will build a house.

will-future
passive: A house will be built by Peter.

active: Peter can build a house.

Modals
passive: A house can be built by Peter.

Passive - Statements

Rewrite the sentences in Passive voice. Remember the punctuation.

Example:
Peter writes a letter.

Answer:
Peter writes a letter.
A letter is written by Peter.

1. They built a house.

2. Our uncle takes Susan to hospital.

3. We have cleaned the car.

4. They speak English.

5. The policemen help the children.

6. A robber broke the window of the shop.

7. My mother sends me to the butcher.

8. Peter will look after my little brother.

Passive - Statements (more objects 1)

Rewrite the sentences in Passive voice. Remember the punctuation.

Example:
Peter writes a letter.

Answer:
Peter writes a letter.
A letter is written by Peter.

1. Mr Jones watches the film.

2. Somebody built the house last year.
3. They speak English in the shop.
4. The waiter brought me a big steak.
5. She gave me the box.
6. Max will look after him.
7. We saw her in Dresden last week.
8. No one has ever beaten me at chess.

Passive - Statements (more objects 2)

Fill in the correct form of the passive into the gap. Mind the tense written in brackets.

Example:
Peter __________ a letter. (to write - Simple Present)
Answer:

A letter is written by Peter.

1. The words by the teacher today. (to explain - Simple Present)

2. We a letter the day before yesterday. (to send - Simple Past)

3. This car . It's too old. (not/to steal - will-future)

4. This street because of snow. (already/to close - Present Perfect)

5. A new restaurant next week. (to open - will-future)

6. He to the party yesterday. (to invite - Simple Past)

7. The blue box by anyone. (can/not/to open - Simple Present)

8. I the book by my friend today. (to give - Simple Present)