Understanding the Passive Voice in English Grammar
Understanding the Passive Voice
Forming the Passive Voice in Different Tenses
Simple Present: Mary helps the boy -> The boy is helped by Mary
Present Progressive: Mary is helping the boy -> The boy is being helped by Mary
Present Perfect: Mary has helped the boy -> The boy has been helped by Mary
Simple Past: Mary helped the boy -> The boy was helped by Mary
Past Perfect: Mary had helped the boy -> The boy had been helped by Mary
Simple Future: Mary will help the boy -> The boy will be helped by Mary
Note: Verbs like come, die, happen, fall, and exist cannot be used in the passive voice.
Examples of Passive Voice Sentences
Somebody cleaned this room yesterday -> This room was cleaned yesterday
They cancelled all the flights because of the fog -> The flights were cancelled because of the fog
She will buy a new computer next week -> A new computer will be bought next week
I draw a picture -> A picture is drawn by me
They have caught the thieves -> The thieves have been caught (by them)
They throw away the litter -> The litter is thrown away (by them)
Using “Made of” and “Made from”
Made of: Use this when the original materials of an object are visible.
Example: This handbag is made of crocodile skin.
Made from: Use this when the original ingredients are not visible.
Example: This cake is made from flour, eggs, butter, and sugar.
Transforming Active Sentences to Passive
Example: Mount Everest / climb / Sir Edmund P. Hilary / 1953
Passive: Mount Everest was climbed by Sir Edmund P. Hilary in 1953.
Forming Questions in the Passive Voice
Example: Will the president inaugurate the new bridge? -> Will the new bridge be inaugurated by the president?
More Examples:
- Did the bull kill the matador? -> Was the matador killed by the bull?
- Have the police found the body? -> Has the body been found by the police?
- Why has the government banned the film? -> Why has the film been banned by the government?
Vocabulary
Product Description Vocabulary
- THIS: Used to introduce a product.
- MADE: Describes the material of a product.
- WEIGHS: Indicates the weight of a product.
- COMES: Refers to available options.
- TELL: Used to provide information.
- FEATURES: Highlights special characteristics.
- SIZE: Specifies the dimensions of a product.
- IDEAL: Emphasizes suitability.
- ADVANTAGE: Points out a benefit.
- QUESTION: Invites inquiries.
Trade Fair and Branding Terminology
TRADE FAIR: An exhibition for companies to showcase products and services.
HYPE: Excessive promotion or advertising.
STATE OF THE ART: The highest level of development.
FLOP: To fail.
COPYWRITER: Writes advertising text.
LIAISE: Communicate and collaborate with other organizations.
BRANDING: Creating a unique design or symbol for a company.
BRAND VALUES: Qualities associated with a brand.
BRAND NAME: The name of a brand.
BRAND AWARENESS: How familiar people are with a brand.
BRAND IDENTITY: The desired perception of a brand.
BRAND IMAGE: The actual perception of a brand.
OFF BRAND: A product that doesn’t align with the brand.
BRAND EQUITY: The value a brand adds to a product.
BRAND LOYALTY: Consistent preference for a brand.
BRAND EXTENSION: Using an existing brand for new products.
DERIVED BRAND: A component becoming a brand itself.
Survey Questions
Types of Questions
Wh- questions: Seek specific information. (e.g., How often do you get together with your friends?)
Yes/No questions: Require a yes or no answer. (e.g., Have you ever been to Europe?)
Question Formation
General Structure: (Wh-word) + Auxiliary Verb + Subject + Main Verb + …?
Examples:
- When were you born?
- Why are you studying advertising?
- Where did you go on your last vacation?
- Do you like watching soap operas?
- Why should you study English?
Questions with the Verb “To Be”
Structure: (Wh-word) + To Be + Subject
Examples:
- Where were you yesterday night?
- Where does she stay?
- Where is she staying?
- Where will he be?
Questions about Time
Example: The bank opens at 8 o’clock -> What time does the bank open?
Questions with a Focus on the Object
Examples:
- Who turned off the laptop? -> What did Peter turn off?
- Who broke the window? -> What did Peter break?
- Who discovered America? -> Which continent did Columbus discover?
- What does Julia like? -> Who likes ice cream?