Unit 5. Lesson B Passive Voice

Unit 5. Lesson B Passive Voice

Passive Voice

We use the passive when we want to focus on an action or the object of the action, rather than on the person who is doing the action.

- The Malacca River was cleaned up (object)

- A construction Company cleaned up the Malacca River (subject)

Passive Voice

We often use the passive because we don’t know who or what did the action, or when it isn’t important to know. If we want to say who does or did the action (the agent), we use the passive verb + by agent.

- New facilities were built for the local residents. (not important)

- The lives of many people were improved by social entrepreneurs. (the agent)

Passive Voice Structure

We form the simple past passive with the simple past of the verb be (was/were) + past participle.

- The river wasn’t cleaned up last year. 

- Students from rural areas were recruited by the college.

-Was the project stopped due to lack of money?

Multiple Choice

The river __________ three years ago.

• will be cleaned up

• is being cleaned up

• was cleaned up

Multiple Choice

Unused land ___________ into urban gardens.

• is going to turn

• was turned

• will be turned

Multiple Choice

The cars ______________ to run on solar power.

• were designed

• have been design

• were being designed

Multiple Choice

A landfill ______________ into a skateboard park.

• was converted

• were converted

• has being converted

Multiple Choice

Tunnels _______________ to divert traffic underground.

• are being built

• has been built

• were built