English Grammar – Passive

Exercise on Passive

Passive voice is used when the focus is on the action. The causer of the action, however, is not important or not known. (In contrast, active voice focusses on the causer of an action.)

Note: In an average English text, no more than 10 percent should be in passive voice. So use the passive sparingly, prefer sentences in active voice.

Form of Passive

	Aktive	Passive
Simple Present	Mr Smith writes the delivery notes.	The delivery notes are written (by Mr Smith).
Present Progressive	Mr Smith is writing the delivery notes.	The delivery notes are being written (by Mr Smith).
Simple Past	Mr Smith wrote the delivery notes.	The delivery notes were written (by Mr Smith).
Present Perfect	Mr Smith has written the delivery notes.	The delivery notes have been written (by Mr Smith).
Past Perfect	Mr Smith had written the delivery notes.	The delivery notes had been written (by Mr Smith).
Future	Mr Smith will write the delivery notes.	The delivery notes will be written (by Mr Smith).
Ausiliary Verbs	Mr Smith must write the delivery notes.	The delivery notes must be written (by Mr Smith).

→ Detailed Explanation and Exercises on Passive

Changed: 05th Apr 2005 01:37

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