Mastering the Passive Voice in English Grammar
1. Rewriting Sentences Using the Passive Voice
1. You can only see these particles through a microscope.
These particles can only be seen through a microscope.
2. People are using computers in all kinds of work.
Computers are being used in all kinds of work.
3. They keep dangerous chemicals in a safe place.
Dangerous chemicals are kept in a safe place.
4. You should have left the laboratory unlocked.
The laboratory should have been left unlocked.
5. Three million people watch Netflix every day.
Netflix is watched by three million people every day.
2. Transforming Sentences into the Passive Voice
1. Scientists have found a new illness.
A new illness has been found by scientists.
2. The doctor wrote a prescription for the patient.
A prescription was written for the patient by the doctor.
3. The postman has already delivered the letters.
The letters have already been delivered by the postman.
4. You must take these pills.
These pills must be taken.
5. Doctors can’t treat diabetes.
Diabetes can’t be treated by doctors.
3. Impersonal Passive Voice Structures
Read the sentence and then write another sentence with the same meaning using an impersonal passive structure:
1. It is said that few people are supporting Barga this year.
Few people are said to be supporting Barga this year.
2. It is believed that two people were arrested yesterday.
Two people are believed to have been arrested yesterday.
3. The police chief is said to be investigating the case.
It is said that the police chief is investigating the case.
4. Many immigrants are thought to sleep on the street every day.
It is thought that many immigrants are sleeping on the street every day.
4. Passive Voice Questions
Put these questions into the passive voice:
1. Do they accept dollars in the UK?
Are dollars accepted in the UK?
2. Did they catch the thieves?
Were the thieves caught?
3. Will the teacher accept my apology?
Will my apology be accepted by the teacher?
6. Passive Voice with Two Objects
Write the two passive sentences for each sentence (start with the Direct Object and the Indirect Object):
1. A student sends Mónica a mysterious email.
A mysterious email is sent to Mónica by a student.
Mónica is sent a mysterious email by a student.
2. Lisa has given a present to Paola.
A present has been given by Lisa to Paola.
Paola has been given a present by Lisa.
3. I sold my car to a journalist.
The car was sold to a journalist.
A journalist was sold the car by me.
8. Passive Voice Transformations
Complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first, using the word given. Use between two and five words, including the word given.
1. It’s essential for students to use email to send their college applications. MUST
College applications must be sent by email.
2. Alex is unable to do this job properly. CAN’T
This job can’t be done properly by Alex.
3. They say he eats snails. SAID
He is said to eat snails.
4. They say the ancient forests of Indonesia are disappearing very quickly. SAID
The ancient forests of Indonesia are said to be disappearing very quickly.
5. We haven’t arranged a date for the wedding yet. BEEN
A date for the wedding hasn’t been arranged yet.
6. According to the report, the driver of the bus was a woman. BEING
According to the report, the bus was being driven by a woman.