The Passive Voice in English: Formation and Usage
The passive voice is a key grammatical construction in English. It emphasizes the action or the object of an action rather than the subject who performs the action. This lesson will explain how the passive voice is formed and used, with examples across different tenses. Understanding the passive voice is essential for versatility in writing and speaking.
Formation of the Passive Voice:
- The passive voice is formed using the appropriate tense of the verb "to be" + past participle of the main verb.
- Example (Active Voice): "He delivers letters."
- Example (Passive Voice): "Letters are delivered."
Examples of Passive Voice in Different Tenses:
-
Present Simple:
- "Letters are delivered."
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Past Simple:
- "The letters were delivered."
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Present Perfect:
- "The letters have been delivered."
-
Future Simple:
- "The letters will be delivered."
-
Past Perfect:
- "The letters had been delivered."
-
Present Continuous:
- "The letters are being delivered."
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Past Continuous:
- "The letters were being delivered."
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Infinitive:
- "The letters have to be delivered."
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Modals:
- "The letters may be delivered."
- "The letters must be delivered."
Uses of the Passive Voice:
-
Unknown, Unimportant, or Obvious Agent:
- Example: "Jane was shot." (unknown agent)
- Example: "This church was built in 1815." (unimportant agent)
- Example: "He has been arrested." (obvious agent, by the police)
-
Polite or Formal Statements:
- Example: "The car hasn't been cleaned." (more polite than "You haven't cleaned the car.")
-
Emphasis on the Agent:
- Example: "The new library will be opened by the Queen."
Enhancing Expression with the Passive Voice
The passive voice is a valuable tool in English, allowing for varied and nuanced expression. By using the passive voice appropriately, you can shift focus, express ideas politely, and emphasize different aspects of your statements.