Passive Voice Basics

What is the passive voice?

 

There are two "voices" in English: ACTIVE and PASSIVE. 

When we study verb forms (present simple, past simple, etc.), we first learn the active voice.

 

For example:

I wrote the letter.= (past simple, active voice)
but we can also say: The letter was written. (this is PASSIVE VOICE, past simple)
She is studying the contract. (present continuous, active voice)
or we can say... The contract is being studied. (= PASSIVE VOICE, present continuous)

Although the passive voice is used much less frequently than the active voice in both speaking in writing, it is still important to understand the rules of use and form.

Click here for a basic introduction to ACTIVE and PASSIVE voice.

When do we need to use the passive voice?

Here is a simple explanation of how to use it
Click here for another explanation, with a few practice activities
VIDEO: Or click here for a video explanation on YouTube
This video details when and where we should use it

Are you interested in learning LOTS more about passive voice?

Click here to view the Purdue Owl (but only click if you are ready for a large amount of information!)

What does the passive voice look like?

**The bad news: each of the 16 verb forms you’ve already studied (present simple, past simple, present perfect, etc. etc.), has a passive voice “cousin” that works the same way…but looks completely different.**

Click here to view a chart I created of some of the more common VERB TENSES

Do you want to practice?

PRACTICE 1: Identifying active or passive voice
PRACTICE 2: Changing active to passive voice (includes different verb forms)
PRACTICE 3: Mixed tenses- active or passive? (challenging but great practice!)
PRACTICE 4: 14 great practice exercises
PRACTICE 5: Choose the correct passive verb form
PRACTICE 6: 20 more practice exercises

This blog post has been written by Andrea. I hope it helps!

(that's present perfect, passive voice!)