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GRAMMAR
FORM
The passive is formed with the appropriate tense of the verb to be + past participle of the main verb.
ACTIVE
they broke the window they are repairing the bridge you must close the door
PASSIVE
the window was broken the bridge is being repaired the door must be closed
How to change an active sentence into the passive: Active: British TV interviewed the President last night.
1. Look for the main verb: interviewed 2. Ask interviewed who/what? to find the object: the President 3. Write the object: The President 4. Then write the passive form of the verb keeping the same tense as in the original sentence: The President was interviewed 5. Write the agent if it is important to say who or what is responsible :
PASSIVE
is driven is being driven was driven was being driven can be driven has been driven had been driven (used to) be driven being driven
USE
We use the passive: 1. When we dont know who does the action. His car has been stolen by someone/ people. 2. When we want to emphasize the action, not who does it. The President chose this policy. (active) This policy was chosen by the President. (passive) 3. When we dont want to say who does the action. My boss has left the door open. (active) The door has been left open. (passive)
GRAMMAR
These presents were given to Helen. Helen was given these presents.
In sentences with think, consider, believe, say, report, know there are two possible passive forms:
People believe that petrol is too expensive It is believed that petrol is too expensive. Petrol is believed to be very expensive.
EXERCISES
This is part of a tourist guide on the history of a seaside town in the south of England. Put the verbs in brackets into the passive form.
GRAMMAR
D. Change these sentences from the active to the passive voice (auxiliary verbs)
1. My secretary can type the letter again. 2. I must find my keys. 3. Many countries should share the information. 4. That machine can make bottles. 5. A big factory may produce millions of cars. 6. A good engineer should check the production.
EOI Alcaiz pre-intermediate E. Translate into English (using passive sentences): 1. Cuntas personas fueron invitadas a la fiesta? 2. Le sirven a usted? 3. No se debe hablar espaol en clase. 4. Desde mi casa se puede ver la catedral. 5. Se han escrito algunos libros buenos este ao. 6. Se habla ingls. 7. Me enviaron un paquete muy grande. 8. Muchos cuadros han sido pintados por Goya. 9. Me dieron una caja llena de galletas. 10. Ese discurso ser dado por el Primer Ministro. F. Put the following sentences into the passive voice: 1. They havent cleaned the blackboard. 2. One drinks a lot of tea in England. 3. People play football everywhere. 4. He gave a book to his brother. (2) 5. He bought a present for his girlfriend. (2) 6. They will ask you several questions. (2) 7. People gave the Queen a warm welcome. (2) 8. The doctor ordered me to stay in bed. 9. They make these chairs in Sweden. 10. He parked the car in the garage. 11. They told the new students where to sit. 12. They told her to be quick. 13. They will look after you. 14. Real Madrid will not win the league. 15. The fire destroyed many valuable paintings. 16. The same man mended your shoes. 17. She hates people looking at her. 18. He lost the books in the shopping centre. 19. People speak Spanish in most countries of South America. 20. Mary will show me the new building. (2) 21. A car ran over your dog. 22. Shakespeare wrote this sonnet. 23. The Queen usually opens the Parliament. 24. Galileo invented the telescope. 25. They are building a new house near the old church.
GRAMMAR