Passive Voice
The passive voice is used when the focus is on the action or the object of the sentence, rather than who or what is performing the action. In passive constructions, the subject receives the action instead of performing it.
1. When Do We Use Passive Voice?
We use passive voice to:
- Emphasize the action or the object of the action rather than the subject.
- The book was read by many people.
- Focus on the result of an action instead of the person or thing performing the action.
- The letter was sent yesterday.
- When the performer of the action is unknown, unimportant, or obvious.
- The car was repaired last week.
2. Forming the Passive Voice
Subject + [form of “to be”] + Past Participle + (by + agent)
- Identify the object of the active sentence and make it the subject of the passive sentence.
- Use the appropriate form of the verb “to be” based on the tense of the original sentence.
- Use the past participle of the main verb.
- (Optional) Include the performer of the action after “by” (only when necessary).
Examples of Passive Voice Formation:
- Active: The teacher explains the lesson. Passive: The lesson is explained by the teacher.
- Active: They will finish the project tomorrow. Passive: The project will be finished tomorrow.
3. Examples
Active: People speak English all over the world.
Passive: English is spoken all over the world.
Active: The chef prepares the food every day.
Passive: The food is prepared every day.
Active: The company will announce the results next week.
Passive: The results will be announced next week.
Active: She has written the report.
Passive: The report has been written by her.