Using the Passive

Voice

Using the Passive Voice

Definitions
Changing to the passive voice
Practice examples

Active voice vs. passive

voice
Active voice takes the form A does B

We chose plastic film to cover the

microphone.
Passive voice takes the form B is done (by A)

Plastic film was chosen (by us) to cover

the microphone.

Active voice subjects perform

an act
Active voice
We ... chose ... plastic film to cover the
microphone.

Subject

Verb

Object

Passive voice subjects are

acted on
Active voice
We ... chose ... plastic film to cover the
microphone.

Subject

Verb

Object

Passive voice
Plastic film was chosen to cover the microphone.

Subject

Verb

Object

Passive voice differs from 3rd

person
Third person, but active voice
The team ... chose ... plastic film to cover the
microphone.
Subject

Verb

Object

Passive voice
Plastic film was chosen to cover the microphone.

Subject

Verb

Object

Using the Passive Voice

Definitions
Changing to the passive voice
Practice examples

Combine to be + past
participle
To be is very irregular:
Present tense

Past tense

1st
person

I am

We are

I was

2nd
person

You are

You are You were

We were
You were

Past
usually
add -ed
oritt: They
3rd participles
He, she,
it They
He, she,
presented,
burnt
person
ismeasured,
arebuilt, were
were
Irregular past participles must be memorized

Omit the agent of the

action
Active
Workers installed burglar alarms.
Passive, with agent
Burglar alarms were installed by the workers.
Passive, with the agent omitted
Burglar alarms were installed.

Remember tense and

number
Active Voice

Passive voice

I finish a project in
eight hours.

A project is finished in
eight hours.

I finish three projects

in eight hours

Three projects are finished

in eight hours

I finished a project in
eight hours.

A project was finished in

eight hours.

I finished three
Three projects were
projects in eight hours. finished in eight hours.

Remember tense and

number
Active Voice

Passive voice

I finish a project in
eight hours.

A project is finished in
eight hours.

I finish three projects

in eight hours

Three projects are finished

in eight hours

I finished a project in
eight hours.

A project was finished in

eight hours.

I finished three
Three projects were
projects in eight hours. finished in eight hours.

Remember tense and

number
Active Voice

Passive voice

I finish a project in
eight hours.

A project is finished in
eight hours.

I finish three projects

in eight hours

Three projects are finished

in eight hours

I finished a project in
eight hours.

A project was finished in

eight hours.

I finished three
Three projects were
projects in eight hours. finished in eight hours.

Remember tense and

number
Active Voice

Passive voice

I finish a project in
eight hours.

A project is finished in
eight hours.

I finish three projects

in eight hours

Three projects are finished

in eight hours

I finished a project in
eight hours.

A project was finished in

eight hours.

I finished three
Three projects were
projects in eight hours. finished in eight hours.

Remember tense and

number
Active Voice

Passive voice

I finish a project in
eight hours.

A project is finished in
eight hours.

I finish three projects

in eight hours

Three projects are finished

in eight hours

I finished a project in
eight hours.

A project was finished in

eight hours.

I finished three
Three projects were
projects in eight hours. finished in eight hours.

Remember tense and

number
Active Voice

Passive voice

I finish a project in
eight hours.

A project is finished in
eight hours.

I finish three projects

in eight hours

Three projects are finished

in eight hours

I finished a project in
eight hours.

A project was finished in

eight hours.

I finished three
Three projects were
projects in eight hours. finished in eight hours.

Remember tense and

number
Active Voice

Passive voice

I finish a project in
eight hours.

A project is finished in
eight hours.

I finish three projects

in eight hours

Three projects are finished

in eight hours

I finished a project in
eight hours.

A project was finished in

eight hours.

I finished three
Three projects were
projects in eight hours. finished in eight hours.

Remember tense and

number
Active Voice

Passive voice

I finish a project in
eight hours.

A project is finished in
eight hours.

I finish three projects

in eight hours

Three projects are finished

in eight hours

I finished a project in
eight hours.

A project was finished in

eight hours.

I finished three
Three projects were
projects in eight hours. finished in eight hours.

Using the Passive Voice

Definitions
Changing to the passive voice
Practice examples

Change to the passive voice

The team used the following materials: a model rocket
requiring some assembly, a tube of Super Glue, a
cartridge of matter, and a tank of antimatter.
The following materials were used: a model rocket
requiring some assembly, a tube of Super Glue, a
cartridge of matter, and a tank of antimatter.
The EG 1003 course also supplied the launch stand,
the barrier, and two atomic clocks.
In addition, equipment was supplied by the EG 1003
course: the launch stand, the barrier, and two atomic
clocks.

Change to the passive voice

The team used the following materials: a model rocket
requiring some assembly, a tube of Super Glue, a
cartridge of matter, and a tank of antimatter.
The following materials were used: a model rocket
requiring some assembly, a tube of Super Glue, a
cartridge of matter, and a tank of antimatter.
The EG 1003 course also supplied the launch stand,
the barrier, and two atomic clocks.
In addition, equipment was supplied by the EG 1003
course: the launch stand, the barrier, and two atomic
clocks.

Change to the passive voice

The team used the following materials: a model rocket
requiring some assembly, a tube of Super Glue, a
cartridge of matter, and a tank of antimatter.
The following materials were used: a model rocket
requiring some assembly, a tube of Super Glue, a
cartridge of matter, and a tank of antimatter.
The EG 1003 course also supplied the launch stand,
the barrier, and two atomic clocks.
In addition, equipment was supplied by the EG 1003
course: the launch stand, the barrier, and two atomic
clocks.

Change to the passive voice

The team used the following materials: a model
rocket requiring some assembly, a tube of Super
Glue, a cartridge of matter, and a tank of
antimatter.
The following materials were used: a model rocket
requiring some assembly, a tube of Super Glue, a
cartridge of matter, and a tank of antimatter.
The EG 1003 course also supplied the launch stand,
the barrier, and two atomic clocks.
The launch stand, the barrier, and two atomic clocks
were supplied by the EG 1003 course.

Change to the passive voice

First, we obtained the rocket kit from a TA.
First, the rocket kit was obtained from a TA.
I inspected the kit to ensure that all parts were present.
The kit was inspected to ensure that all parts were present.
Miguel attached the four control surfaces (fins) to the
fuselage of the model using Super Glue .
The four control surfaces (fins) were attached to the
fuselage of the model using Super Glue .

Change to the passive voice

First, we obtained the rocket kit from a TA.
First, the rocket kit was obtained from a TA.
I inspected the kit to ensure that all parts were present.
The kit was inspected to ensure that all parts were present.
Miguel attached the four control surfaces (fins) to the
fuselage of the model using Super Glue .
The four control surfaces (fins) were attached to the
fuselage of the model using Super Glue .

Change to the passive voice

First, we obtained the rocket kit from a TA.
First, the rocket kit was obtained from a TA.
I inspected the kit to ensure that all parts were present.
The kit was inspected to ensure that all parts were present.
Miguel attached the four control surfaces (fins) to the
fuselage of the model using Super Glue .
The four control surfaces (fins) were attached to the
fuselage of the model using Super Glue .

Change to the passive voice

First, we obtained the rocket kit from a TA.
First, the rocket kit was obtained from a TA.
I inspected the kit to ensure that all parts were present.
The kit was inspected to ensure that all parts were present.
Miguel attached the four control surfaces (fins) to the
fuselage of the model using Super Glue .
The four control surfaces (fins) were attached to the
fuselage of the model using Super Glue .

Change to the passive voice

First, we obtained the rocket kit from a TA.
First, the rocket kit was obtained from a TA.
I inspected the kit to ensure that all parts were present.
The kit was inspected to ensure that all parts were present.
Miguel attached the four control surfaces (fins) to the
fuselage of the model using Super Glue .
The four control surfaces (fins) were attached to the
fuselage of the model using Super Glue .

Change to the passive voice

First, we obtained the rocket kit from a TA.
First, the rocket kit was obtained from a TA.
I inspected the kit to ensure that all parts were present.
The kit was inspected to ensure that all parts were present.
Miguel attached the four control surfaces (fins) to the
fuselage of the model using Super Glue .
The four control surfaces (fins) were attached to the
fuselage of the model using Super Glue .

Change to the passive voice

We pressed the red power switch, activating the model.
The red power switch was pressed, activating the model.
The team noted the time to verify that there would be
enough battery power when the rocket was launched.
The time was noted to verify that there would be
enough battery power when the rocket was launched.
Francisca pushed the yellow button, starting the Level1
Diagnostic for the positronic control system.
The yellow button was pressed, starting the Level 1
Diagnostic for the positronic control system.

Change to the passive voice

We pressed the red power switch, activating the model.
The red power switch was pressed, activating the model.
The team noted the time to verify that there would be
enough battery power when the rocket was launched.
The time was noted to verify that there would be
enough battery power when the rocket was launched.
Francisca pushed the yellow button, starting the Level1
Diagnostic for the positronic control system.
The yellow button was pressed, starting the Level 1
Diagnostic for the positronic control system.

Change to the passive voice

We pressed the red power switch, activating the model.
The red power switch was pressed, activating the model.
The team noted the time to verify that there would be
enough battery power when the rocket was launched.
The time was noted to verify that there would be
enough battery power when the rocket was launched.
Francisca pushed the yellow button, starting the Level1
Diagnostic for the positronic control system.
The yellow button was pressed, starting the Level 1
Diagnostic for the positronic control system.

Change to the passive voice

We pressed the red power switch, activating the model.
The red power switch was pressed, activating the model.
The team noted the time to verify that there would be
enough battery power when the rocket was launched.
The time was noted to verify that there would be
enough battery power when the rocket was launched.
Francisca pushed the yellow button, starting the Level1
Diagnostic for the positronic control system.
The yellow button was pressed, starting the Level 1
Diagnostic for the positronic control system.

Change to the passive voice

We pressed the red power switch, activating the model.
The red power switch was pressed, activating the model.
The team noted the time to verify that there would be
enough battery power when the rocket was launched.
The time was noted to verify that there would be
enough battery power when the rocket was launched.
Francisca pushed the yellow button, starting the
Level1 Diagnostic for the positronic control system.
The yellow button was pressed, starting the Level 1
Diagnostic for the positronic control system.

Change to the passive voice

We pressed the red power switch, activating the model.
The red power switch was pressed, activating the model.
The team noted the time to verify that there would be
enough battery power when the rocket was launched.
The time was noted to verify that there would be
enough battery power when the rocket was launched.
Francisca pushed the yellow button, starting the
Level1 Diagnostic for the positronic control system.
The yellow button was pressed, starting the
Level 1 Diagnostic for the positronic control system.

Change to the passive voice

The team took the model out to MetroTech commons.
The model was taken out to MetroTech commons.
I obtained a matter cartridge from the TA.
A matter cartridge was obtained from the TA.
We snapped this cartridge into the model.
This cartridge was snapped into the model.
We mounted the model on the launch stand.
The model was mounted on the launch stand.

Change to the passive voice

The team took the model out to MetroTech commons.
The model was taken out to MetroTech commons.
I obtained a matter cartridge from the TA.
A matter cartridge was obtained from the TA.
We snapped this cartridge into the model.
This cartridge was snapped into the model.
We mounted the model on the launch stand.
The model was mounted on the launch stand.

Change to the passive voice

The team took the model out to MetroTech commons.
The model was taken out to MetroTech commons.
I obtained a matter cartridge from the TA.
A matter cartridge was obtained from the TA.
We snapped this cartridge into the model.
This cartridge was snapped into the model.
We mounted the model on the launch stand.
The model was mounted on the launch stand.

Change to the passive voice

The team took the model out to MetroTech commons.
The model was taken out to MetroTech commons.
I obtained a matter cartridge from the TA.
A matter cartridge was obtained from the TA.
We snapped this cartridge into the model.
This cartridge was snapped into the model.
We mounted the model on the launch stand.
The model was mounted on the launch stand.

Change to the passive voice

The team took the model out to MetroTech commons.
The model was taken out to MetroTech commons.
I obtained a matter cartridge from the TA.
A matter cartridge was obtained from the TA.
We snapped this cartridge into the model.
This cartridge was snapped into the model.
We mounted the model on the launch stand.
The model was mounted on the launch stand.

Change to the passive voice

The team took the model out to MetroTech commons.
The model was taken out to MetroTech commons.
I obtained a matter cartridge from the TA.
A matter cartridge was obtained from the TA.
We snapped this cartridge into the model.
This cartridge was snapped into the model.
We mounted the model on the launch stand.
The model was mounted on the launch stand.

Change to the passive voice

The team took the model out to MetroTech commons.
The model was taken out to MetroTech commons.
I obtained a matter cartridge from the TA.
A matter cartridge was obtained from the TA.
We snapped this cartridge into the model.
This cartridge was snapped into the model.
We mounted the model on the launch stand.
The model was mounted on the launch stand.

Change to the passive voice

The team took the model out to MetroTech commons.
The model was taken out to MetroTech commons.
I obtained a matter cartridge from the TA.
A matter cartridge was obtained from the TA.
We snapped this cartridge into the model.
This cartridge was snapped into the model.
We mounted the model on the launch stand.
The model was mounted on the launch stand.

Change to the passive voice

We then used the Antimatter Containment Vessel to
pour antimatter into the tank in the model.
The Antimatter Containment Vessel was then used to
pour antimatter into the tank in the model.
Albert put the stopper into the hole in the tank.
The stopper was put into the hole in the tank.
When everything was in place, we launched the rocket.
When everything was in place, the rocket was launched.

Change to the passive voice

We then used the Antimatter Containment Vessel to
pour antimatter into the tank in the model.
The Antimatter Containment Vessel was then used to
pour antimatter into the tank in the model.
Albert put the stopper into the hole in the tank.
The stopper was put into the hole in the tank.
When everything was in place, we launched the rocket.
When everything was in place, the rocket was launched.

Change to the passive voice

We then used the Antimatter Containment Vessel to
pour antimatter into the tank in the model.
The Antimatter Containment Vessel was then used to
pour antimatter into the tank in the model.
Albert put the stopper into the hole in the tank.
The stopper was put into the hole in the tank.
When everything was in place, we launched the rocket.
When everything was in place, the rocket was launched.

Change to the passive voice

We then used the Antimatter Containment Vessel to
pour antimatter into the tank in the model.
The Antimatter Containment Vessel was then used to
pour antimatter into the tank in the model.
Albert put the stopper into the hole in the tank.
The stopper was put into the hole in the tank.
When everything was in place, we launched the rocket.
When everything was in place, the rocket was launched.

Change to the passive voice

We then used the Antimatter Containment Vessel to
pour antimatter into the tank in the model.
The Antimatter Containment Vessel was then used to
pour antimatter into the tank in the model.
Albert put the stopper into the hole in the tank.
The stopper was put into the hole in the tank.
When everything was in place, we launched the rocket.
When everything was in place, the rocket was la
unched

Change to the passive voice

We then used the Antimatter Containment Vessel to
pour antimatter into the tank in the model.
The Antimatter Containment Vessel was then used to
pour antimatter into the tank in the model.
Albert put the stopper into the hole in the tank.
The stopper was put into the hole in the tank.
When everything was in place, we launched the rocket.
When everything was in place, the rocket was launched.

Change to the passive voice

Lucy noted the time of arrival for the rocket and the
strobe light flash.
The time of arrival was noted for the rocket and the
strobe light flash.
We used the atomic clocks to verify that the rocket had
arrived before the light.
The atomic clocks were used to verify that the rocket
had arrived before the light.
The team also noted the effects of the impact.
The effects of the impact were also noted.

Change to the passive voice

Lucy noted the time of arrival for the rocket and the
strobe light flash.
The time of arrival was noted for the rocket and the
strobe light flash.
We used the atomic clocks to verify that the rocket had
arrived before the light.
The atomic clocks were used to verify that the rocket
had arrived before the light.
The team also noted the effects of the impact.
The effects of the impact were also noted.

Change to the passive voice

Lucy noted the time of arrival for the rocket and the
strobe light flash.
The time of arrival was noted for the rocket and the
strobe light flash.
We used the atomic clocks to verify that the rocket had
arrived before the light.
The atomic clocks were used to verify that the rocket
had arrived before the light.
The team also noted the effects of the impact.
The effects of the impact were also noted.

Change to the passive voice

Lucy noted the time of arrival for the rocket and the
strobe light flash.
The time of arrival was noted for the rocket and the
strobe light flash.
We used the atomic clocks to verify that the rocket had
arrived before the light.
The atomic clocks were used to verify that the
rocket had arrived before the light.
The team also noted the effects of the impact.
The effects of the impact were also noted.

Change to the passive voice

Lucy noted the time of arrival for the rocket and the
strobe light flash.
The time of arrival was noted for the rocket and the
strobe light flash.
We used the atomic clocks to verify that the rocket had
arrived before the light.
The atomic clocks were used to verify that the
rocket had arrived before the light.
The team also noted the effects of the impact.
The effects of the impact were also noted.

Change to the passive voice

Lucy noted the time of arrival for the rocket and the
strobe light flash.
The time of arrival was noted for the rocket and the
strobe light flash.
We used the atomic clocks to verify that the rocket had
arrived before the light.
The atomic clocks were used to verify that the
rocket had arrived before the light.
The team also noted the effects of the impact.
The effects of the impact were also noted.

Using the Passive Voice

Definitions
Changing to the passive voice
Practice examples