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)
|
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 |
by Peter. |
|
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. |
| 
