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← Grammar reference

PASSIVES

Passive voice

In the passive the thing that receives the action becomes the subject: be + past participle. Use it when the action matters more than who does it.

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PresentPast
+English is spoken hereThe room was cleaned
−It isn't made hereIt wasn't built in 1990
?Is English spoken here?Was the room cleaned?

be + past participle · Irregular participles: make → made, write → written, build → built · by + doer when it matters: written by Orwell

A2

Present simple passive

New

Use am / is / are + past participle when the action matters more than who does it.

subject+ am / is / are+ past participle

  • English is spoken in many countries.
  • These cars are made in Germany.
  • The room cleans every day.
  • The room is cleaned every day.

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1/4

Put in order

Tap the words in the order of the sentence.

 

A2

Past simple passive

New

Use was / were + past participle for a finished action when the doer is not important.

subject+ was / were+ past participle

  • The bridge was built in 1990.
  • My bags were stolen at the station.
  • The bridge built in 1990.
  • The bridge was built in 1990.

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Choose the form

The castle   in the 12th century.

A2

Who did it: by

New

Add by + the doer only when it is new or important. Leave it out when it is obvious or unknown.

passive verb+ by+ doer

  • Hamlet was written by Shakespeare.
  • My phone was stolen.
  • This song was written from Adele.
  • This song was written by Adele.

Quick Check

1/4

Put in order

Tap the words in the order of the sentence.

 

B1

Passive negatives and questions

New

Add not after be for a negative; put be before the subject for a question. Do not use do / does / did with the passive.

was / were+ subject+ past participle

  • This room wasn't cleaned yesterday.
  • Was the letter sent on Monday?
  • Did the letter sent?
  • Was the letter sent?

Quick Check

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Type the answer

the letter sent yesterday?

B1

Passive with will, can and must

New

After will, can, must, should, have to and going to, use be + past participle.

subject+ will / can / must+ be+ past participle

  • The report will be finished tomorrow.
  • This form must be signed.
  • The report will finished tomorrow.
  • The report will be finished tomorrow.

Quick Check

1/4

Put in order

Tap the words in the order of the sentence.

 

B1

Present continuous passive

New

Use is / are being + past participle for an action that is happening now or around now.

subject+ is / are being+ past participle

  • The road is being repaired.
  • Our rooms are being cleaned now.
  • The road is repairing now.
  • The road is being repaired now.

Quick Check

1/4

Type the answer

The cars washed. Please wait.