Passive Voice

Passive Voice
The passive voice is used when focusing on the person or thing affected by an action.
* The Passive is formed: Passive Subject + To Be +Past Particple
The house was built in 1989.
* It is often used in business when the object of the action is more important than those who perform theaction.
For Example:
We have produced over 20 different models in the past two years. Changes to: Over 20 different models have been produced in the past twoyears.
* If the agent is important (the person, company or thing that does the action) , use "by"
For Example: Tim Wilson wrote "The Flight toBrunnswick" in 1987. Changes to:"The Flight to Brunnswick" was written in 1987 by Tim Wilson.
* Only verbs that take an object can be used in the passive voice.Passive Voice Structure
Active | Passive | Time Reference |
They make Fords in Cologne. | Fords are made in Cologne. | Present Simple |
Susan iscooking dinner. | Dinner is being cooked by Susan | Present Continuous |
James Joyce wrote "Dubliners". | "Dubliners" was written by James Joyces. | Past Simple|
They were painting the house when I arrived. | The house was being painted when I arrived. | Past Continuous |
They have produced over 20 models inthe past two years. | Over 20 models have been produced in the past two years. | Present Perfect |
They are going to build a new factory in Portland. | A newfactory is going to be built in Portland. | Future Intention with Going to |
I will finish it tomorrow. | It will be finished tomorrow. | Future Simple |