PASSIVE VERB FORMS

You still have some problems with the form of the different verb tenses in active and in passive. Let's review the passive verb forms with this interactive presentation. Click on the + icons for examples of the different verb tenses.

If you also want to review the active verb forms, click HERE.

THE PASSIVE

Passive voice is formed by…

Subject + finite form of to be + Past Participle

When rewriting active sentences in passive voice, note the following:

Peter builds a house (active)

A house is built by Peter (passive)

Remember passive voice is used when the focus is on the action. Who or what is performing the action is not important ot not known. In the example My bike was stolen, the focus is on the fact that my bike was stolen. I do not know who did it.

Sometimes a statement in passive is more polite than active voice, as the following example shows, 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 made a mistake.).

As always, you can go to 'Grammar' to see, download and/or print a document on the passive voice plus an overview on the active/passive 

And now, time to practise!!!!

Exercise 1

Exercise 2

Exercise 3

Exercise 4(A page with lots of practice!!!)

Exercise 5

Exercise 6(A game)

THE PASSIVE