Rules for writers, Tenth edition - Diana Hacker, Nancy Sommers 2021
To write a verb in the passive voice, use a form of be with the past participle
Verbs
Multilingual Writers and ESL Topics
When a sentence is written in the passive voice, the subject receives the action instead of doing it.
The solution was heated to 80 degrees Celsius.
To form the passive voice, use a form of be — am, is, are, was, were, being, be, or been — followed by the past participle of the main verb: was chosen, are remembered. (Sometimes a form of be follows another helping verb: will be considered, could have been broken.)
For details on forming the passive in various tenses, consult the chart on the next page. (For appropriate uses of the passive voice, see 8a.)
NOTE: Only transitive verbs, those that take direct objects, may be used in the passive voice. Intransitive verbs such as occur, happen, sleep, die, become, and fall are not used in the passive. (See 48b.)
VERB TENSES COMMONLY USED IN THE PASSIVE VOICE
Simple tenses (passive voice)
Simple present |
am, is, are + past participle |
✵ general facts ✵ habitual, repetitive actions |
✵ Breakfast is served daily. ✵ The receipts are counted every night. |
Simple past |
was, were + past participle |
✵ completed past actions |
✵ He was rewarded for being on time. |
Simple future |
will be + past participle |
✵ future actions, promises, or predictions |
✵ The decision will be made by the committee next week. |
Simple progressive forms (passive voice)
Present progressive |
am, is, are + being + past participle |
✵ actions in progress at the present time ✵ future actions |
✵ The new stadium is being built with private money. ✵ Jo is being promoted to a new job next month. |
Past progressive |
was, were + being + past participle |
✵ actions in progress at a specific time in the past |
✵ We thought we were being followed. |
Perfect tenses (passive voice)
Present perfect |
has, have + been + past participle |
✵ actions that began in the past and continue to the present ✵ actions that happened at an unknown or unspecific time in the past |
✵ The store has been closed while the owners remodel the building. ✵ Wars have been fought throughout history. |
Past perfect |
had + been + past participle |
✵ actions that began or occurred before another time in the past |
✵ He had been given all the hints he needed to complete the puzzle. |
NOTE: Future progressive, future perfect, and perfect progressive forms are not used in the passive voice.
EXERCISE 28-1
Revise the following sentences to correct errors in verb forms and tenses in the active and the passive voice. You may need to look at 27a for the correct form of some irregular verbs and at 27f for help with tenses. Answers appear in the back of the book.
a. In the past, tobacco companies deny any connection between smoking and health problems.
b. The volunteer’s compassion has touch many lives.
c. I am wanting to register for a summer tutoring session.
d. By the end of the year, the state will have open a dozen career and employment centers.
e. The golfers were prepare for all weather conditions.