PASSIVE

VOICE

Passive voice is used when the focus is on

the action. It is not important or not
known, however, who or what is performing
the action.
Example: My bike was stolen.
In the example above, the focus is on the
fact that my bike was stolen. I do not
know, however, who did it.

Sometimes a statement in passive is more

polite than active voice, as the following
example shows:
Example: A mistake was made.
In this case, I focus on the fact that a
mistake was made, but I do not blame
anyone (e.g. You have made a mistake.).

PASSIVE VOICE

Tense

Simple
Present

Active:
Passive:

Simple Past

Active:
Passive:

Present
Perfect

Active:

Passive:
Future I

Active:
Passive:

Can

Active:
Passive:

Subject

Rita

Verb

Object

writes

a letter.

is written

by Rita.

wrote

a letter.

A letter

was written

by Rita.

Rita

has written

a letter.

has been written

by Rita.

will write

a letter.

will be written

by Rita.

can write

a letter.

can be written

by Rita.

A letter
Rita

A letter
Rita
A letter
Rita
A letter

Tense
Present
Progressive

Subject
Active:

Passive:

Past
Progressive

Active:

Passive:

Rita

A letter

Rita

A letter

Verb

Object

is writing

a letter.

is being written

by Rita.

was writing

a letter.

was being written

by Rita.

1) They often listen to music. 2) She is reading the newspaper now. 3) These cars are produced in Japan. 4) Alan teaches Geography. 5) German is spoken in Austria. 6) Lots of houses were destroyed by the
earthquake in 1906. 7) Henry Ford invented the assembly line. 8) The bus driver was hurt yesterday. 9) You should open your workbooks. 10) Houses have been built.

1) Mr. Jones watches films.

2) The people spoke English.
3) He was reading comics.
4) We play volleyball.
5) They are singing the song.
6) I have taken photos.
7) She does the housework.
8) The policemen help the children.
9) He writes text messages.
10) Mother waters the flowers.

WEBSITES PAGES
http://www.ego4u.com/en/cramup/grammar/passive
http://www.ego4u.com/en/cramup/grammar/passive/exercises?05
http://www.saberingles.com.ar/curso/less
on24/06.html
http://www.saberingles.com.ar/curso/less
on24/07.html