Passive - Use
We only use the passive when we are interested in the object or when we do not know who caused the action.
Example: Appointments are required in such cases.
We can only form a passive sentence from an active sentence when there is an object in the active sentence.
Form
to be + past participle
How to form a passive sentence when an active sentence is given:
- object of the "active" sentence becomes subject in the "passive" sentence
- subject of the "active" sentence becomes "object" in the "passive" sentence" (or is left out)
- object of the "active" sentence becomes subject in the "passive" sentence
- subject of the "active" sentence becomes "object" in the "passive" sentence" (or is left out)
| Active: | Peter | builds | a house. |
  | |||
| Passive: | A house | is built | by Peter. |
Examples
| Active | Peter | builds | a house. | Simple Present |
| Passive: | A house | is built | ||
| Active: | Peter | built | a house. | Simple Past |
| Passive: | A house | was built | by Peter. | |
| Active: | Peter | has built | a house. | Present Perfect |
| Passive: | A house | has been built | by Peter. | |
| Active: | Peter | will build | a house. | will-future |
| Passive: | A house | will be built | by Peter. | |
| Active: | Peter | can build | a house. | Modals |
| Passive: | A house | can be built | by Peter. | |
Here are the answers of the activities. I'll show you some links too so you can work with the passive voice by yourself:
http://www.englisch-hilfen.de/en/exercises_list/passiv.htm
http://www.ego4u.com/en/cram-up/grammar/passive
http://www.nonstopenglish.com/allexercises/grammar/grammar-passive_voice.asp
Here are the answers:
Write the following sentences in the passive if possible.
1. They first developed the polio vaccine in the 1950s.
The polio vaccine was first developed in the 1950's
2. To record, you must press the red button and the black button at the same time.
To record, the red buttom and the black button must be pressed at the same time
3. You should make the sandwiches just before we leave.
The sandwiches should be made just before we leave.
4. Shakespeare died in 1616.
……………………………………………………………………………………
5. The crew will bury the sailor at sea.
The sailor will be buried at sea by the crew.
6. The technicians were repairing my fax machine when I arrived
My fax machine was being repaired by the technicians when I arrived
2. Write the following sentences in the passive voice:
1. IBM offered her a job.
She was offered a job by IBM / A job was offered to her by IBM
2. The bank gave me a loan for a new house.
I was given a loan for a new house by the bank / A loan was given to me for a new house
3. They showed him the gun that was used as the murder weapon.
He was showed the gun that was used as the murder weapon / the gun that …... was showed
4. She paid the workers three months’ salary when she closed down her business
The workers were paid 3 months´salary when her business was closed down.
three months´salary was paid to the workers when ….
5. The ice-cream vendor gave my child a free ice-cream cone.
My child was given a free ice-cream cone by the ice-cream vendor / A free ice-cream cone was given to my child by ...
3. Write the following active sentences in the passive voice. Use the words in brackets.
1. Did you take the car to the garage yesterday? (TAKEN)
Was the car taken to the garage yesterday?
2. The government should pass a law against pollution. (PASSED)
A law against pollution should be passed by the government
3. The school doesn’t permit smoking. (ISN’T)
Smoking isn’t permitted by the school
4. Did they invite you to the grand opening? (WERE)
Were you invited to the grand opening?
5. She didn’t tell anyone about the phone call. (NO ONE)
No one was told about the phone call
6. They are painting their house this week. (BEING)
Their house is being painted this week
4. Write the following active sentences, which contain modals and semi-modals, in the passive voice.
1. We have to translate this story into Spanish.
This story has to be translated into Spanish
2. We must pay for our tickets before Thursday.
Our must be paid for before Thursday
3. We ought to invite Susan to the party.
Susan ought to be invited to the party
