5. The passive voice is formed by:
Using a form of the auxiliary
verb “be”
The past participle of the
main verb.
(am, is, are)
+
6. When we mention the agent –the person or thing who does the
action- we use "by"
Example:
7. Present Simple
Active Voice Passive Voice
We make projects in this class. Projects are made in this class.
S V O O Aux. V Pp. V
Obj. + am/is/are + V (PP) + by + Obj. pronoun
Example:
8. Present Simple
Active Voice Passive Voice
Professor Brown teaches math. Math is taught by professor Brown.
Obj. + am/is/are + V (PP) + by + Obj. pronoun
Examples:
S V O O Aux. V Pp. V
S
9. Active Voice Passive Voice
Susana speaks English. English is spoken by Susana.
Examples:
S V O O Aux. V Pp. V
S
Active Voice Passive Voice
Everyone knows Apple for its innovate devices. Apple is known for its innovate devices.
Extra exercises
S V O O Aux. V Pp. V
Quizziz
11. 1) To emphasize the receiver of the action instead of the doer
• Quizzes are given regularly.
• Grades for all students are averaged.
• Questions are encouraged.
2) To keep the focus on the same subject through several sentences or
paragraphs
My sister and I grew up and went to school in Jamaica.
We were educated according to the British system. In
1997 we were given the opportunity to come to the
United States.
12. 3) When we do not know who performed the action
• Ray's calculator is made in Germany.
• My cellphone is stolen!
4) When we do not wish to mention the doer of the action:
Note: This use often reveals an unwillingness to take responsibility (or place it on someone else).
Substitute:
The glass is broken.
For:
I break the glass.
5) When we want to sound objective or avoid using the subject “I”
Hamlet is considered . . .
(You don’t know, don’t care, or don’t want to say who did the action. This can help you sound
more polite and avoidconflict.)