Introduction
📚 Struggling with the passive voice in English? No worries! This guide will walk you through everything you need to know. We’ll help you use it confidently and naturally in your everyday English.
The Basics
The Formula
- Structure: form of “be” + past participle
- Examples: is/was/will be + done/written/made
Examples:
- “The book has been written.”
- “The house was built last year.”
Tenses
- Present: is/are + past participle
- Past: was/were + past participle
- Future: will be + past participle
Real-world examples:
- “Dinner is being prepared.”
- “The letter will be sent tomorrow.”
When to Use the Passive Voice
Common Situations
- When you don’t know who did something
- When who did it doesn’t matter
- In academic or scientific writing
- In formal procedures
Common Examples
In the Workplace
- “The contract was signed this morning.”
- “The project will be finished by Friday.”
Everyday Life
- “The car is being fixed.”
- “Dinner is served!”
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Typical Errors
❌ “The house build yesterday”
✓ “The house was built yesterday”
Key Points
- Never forget the form of “be”
- Always use the past participle
- Watch out for irregular verbs
Useful Phrases
Describing Actions
- “This was done by…”
- “It has been created…”
Instructions
- “Must be completed by…”
- “Can be used with…”
Tips for Success
- Memorize common irregular verbs
- Practice with basic sentences first
- Listen to native speakers
- Keep track of useful passive structures
Want to Learn More?
You can hear the passive voice used in real converstions on our Secret2English YouTube channel or our website!
Summary
Remember:
- Use “be” + past participle
- Use it when the doer isn’t important
- Learn those irregular verbs
Keep practicing, and you’ll be using the passive voice like a native speaker in no time!