2. We use the passive when we want to
show that the action of the verb is more
important than the agent (the person or
thing doing or causing the action). The
agent is introduced with the preposition
by and is mentioned only when it is
important or needs to be stated.
Example:
Quijote was written by Cervantes.
3. HOW IT`S MADE?
TURNING FROM ACTIVE TO PASIVE:
Active:
S+V+O
Passive: S + Be + PP(V3ed) + by + O
EX: My father planted this tree last year.
This tree was planted by my father last
year.
4. PRESENT PERFECT
The Simple Present Tense
Active: S + V + O
Passive: S + am/is/are + PP + by + O
EX: He reads books every day.
Books are read (by him) every day.
5. THE PRESENT CONTINUOUS
Active: S + am/is/are + V-ing + O
Passive: S + am/is/are + being +PP + by + O
EX: He is writing a novel at the moment.
A novel is being written (by him) at the
moment.
6. THE PRESENT PERFECT
Active: S + Has/Have + V3ed + O
Passive: S + has/have + been +PP + by + O
EX: He has just finished a novel.
A novel has just been finished (by him).
7. THE PAST SIMPLE
Active: S + V2ed + O
Passive: S + was/were + PP + by + O
EX: He gave Tom a book.
A book was given to Tom (by him).
Tom was given a book (by him).
8. THE PAST CONTINUOUS
Active: S + was/were + V-ing + O
Passive: S + was/were + being + PP + by + O
EX: He was writing a letter at 8.00 yesterday.
A letter was being written (by him).
9. THE PAST PERFECT
Active: S + had + V3ed + O
Passive: S + had + been + PP + by + O
EX: He had finished his homework before 8.00
yesterday.
His homework had been finished (by him)
before 8.00 yesterday.
10. THE FUTURE SIMPLE
Active: S + will + V + O
Passive: S + will + be + PP + by + O
EX: He will finish the homework.
The homework will be finished.
11. MODAL VERBS
Modal Verbs can be used in either the present or
past forms.
Active: S + MV (not) + V + O
Passive: S + MV (not) + Be + PP + by + O
EX: We can’t solve this problem.
This problem can’t be solved.
