B1 · Lesson 17 · 20 min
Present and past passives
In this lesson
- I can form present and past simple passives.
- I can use modal passives to describe rules and possibilities.
Grammar in context
At the community centre, staff are preparing a new kitchen for a food festival. The tables are cleaned every morning, and the old cooker was removed yesterday. Visitors are told that bags must be left by the entrance.
Which sentences focus on the action or result, rather than the person who does it?
Why use the passive?
Use the passive when the action or result is more important than the person who does it. It is also useful when the person is unknown or does not need to be mentioned. The subject receives the action. If we want to name the person, we can add by + person.
- The gallery is visited by many tourists.
- My bicycle was stolen last night.
Present and past simple passives
Make the passive with be + past participle. Use am, is or are for routines and facts now: The meals are prepared here. Use was or were for finished actions in the past: The meals were prepared yesterday. Make negatives with not after be, and make questions by putting be before the subject.
- These phones are not made in Britain.
- Were the tickets sent this morning?
Modal passives
After a modal verb, use be + past participle: must be checked, can be borrowed, should be returned. Do not use a past form of be after a modal. Modal passives often describe rules, advice, permission or possibility. The action matters more than who does it.
- Safety helmets must be worn on the building site.
- The report can be finished tomorrow.
Common mistakes
Compare the incorrect and corrected forms.
Avoid
The room cleans every day.
Use
The room is cleaned every day.
Use be + past participle when the room receives the action.
Avoid
The forms must completed today.
Use
The forms must be completed today.
A modal passive needs be before the past participle.
Put it into practice
Try the exercises, write your own examples and check your understanding.