The Passive Sentences

The passive 

Basic Pattern : (be) + V3 Past participle

Here are some samples of passive sentences in different times/tenses :

1.     Simple present

a.     Active      : Mary    helps      John

b.     Passive    : John     is helped    by Mary

2.     Present progressive/continues

a.     Active      : Mary    is helping    John

b.     Passive    : John     is being helped    by Mary

3.     Present Perfect

a.     Active      : Mary    has helped     John

b.     Passive    : John     has been helped    by Mary

4.     Simple Past

a.     Active      : Mary     helped     John

b.     Passive    : John     was helped     by Mary

5.     Past progressive/continues

a.     Active      : Mary     was helping     John

b.     Passive    : John     was being helped     by Mary

6.     Past Perfect

a.     Active      : Mary     had helped      John

b.     Passive    : John      had been helped      by Mary

7.     Simple Future

a.     Active      : Mary    will help     John

b.     Passive    : John     will be helped     by Mary

8.     Be going to

a.     Active      : Mary     is going to help     John

b.     Passive    : John      is going to be helped     by Mary

Now let's do the practice! 

B. Fill in the blanks with the right passive form!

1. A cup of coffee __________________by my father every morning. (drink)

2. An island ___________ by water. (surround)

3. The class was too large, so it ______________ into two sections. (divide)

4. A bracelet ________________ around the wrist. (wear)

5. last week I _________ a job at a local bank, but i didn't accept. (offer)

6. Even though construction costs are high, a new dormitory _____next year. (will - build)

7. Meat ____________ in a refrigerator or it will spoil. (must – keep)

8. We tried, but the window _________. It was painted shut. (couldn’t – open)

9. I read about a hunter who ____________ by a wild animal. (kill)

10. The World Cup soccer games ____ all over the world right now. (broadcast)

B. Change into the passive!

1. Shakespeare wrote that play.

2. Bill will invite Ann to the party.

3. Alex is preparing that report.

4. Waitresses and waiters serve customers.

5. Shirley has suggested a new idea.

For more exercises about The Passive, CLICK HERE

and also Passive Voice - Exercise