The passive voice
When the action matters more than who did it.
The rules
- Past passive: was/were + past participle: "was built".
- Present passive: is/are + past participle: "is spoken".
- Finished time ("yesterday") forces past simple passive: "was finished".
- Present continuous passive: is/are being + past participle.
- Future passive: will be + past participle.
- Passive shifts focus to the action/receiver when the doer is unknown or obvious.
- "So far" (unfinished time) + passive: present perfect passive "has been translated".
Examples
- This bridge was built in 1932.
- English is spoken all over the world.
- The report was finished yesterday.
- The road is being repaired.
- The results will be announced next Monday.
- Because the thief is unknown or unimportant.
- The novel has been translated into thirty languages so far.
Quick check
Pick an answer to see the rule behind it.
1.This bridge _____ in 1932.
2.English _____ all over the world.
3.Which passive sentence is correct?
4.The results _____ next Monday.
5.Why choose the passive in "My wallet was stolen"?