What is the core difference between active and passive voice?

In active voice, the subject performs the action on the object (Subject → Verb → Object): “The editor approved the article.”
In passive voice, the receiver of the action becomes the grammatical subject and the doer may be omitted or added with by (Object → be + past participle [+ by + doer]): “The article was approved (by the editor).”
Passive voice shifts focus from who did the action to what happened or to the result.

When is the passive voice the best choice?

Use passive voice when (1) the doer is unknown, irrelevant, or obvious (“My bike was stolen”); (2) you want to emphasize the process, outcome, or patient rather than the agent (“The vaccine was tested across regions”); or (3) your register calls for an objective tone, as in scientific, legal, or formal business writing (“Data were analyzed using…”). It is also helpful when avoiding blame or softening claims (“Mistakes were made”).

How do I convert an active sentence to passive step by step?

1. Identify the subject (doer), verb, and object (receiver).
2. Move the object to the subject position.
3. Conjugate be to match the original tense and number; add the main verb’s past participle.
4. Optionally include “by + original subject” if the agent is necessary or informative.

Example: “The chef cooked the meal.” → “The meal was cooked (by the chef).”

Which verbs can and cannot form the passive?

Only transitive verbs that take a direct object can form the passive (“They built a bridge” → “A bridge was built”). Intransitive verbs such as arrive, happen, occur, sleep, die do not take direct objects and cannot form passive clauses (“The event happened,” not “The event was happened”).

How do I keep the original tense when forming the passive?

Preserve tense by selecting the appropriate form of be and then using the past participle:

• Present Simple: is/are + V3 → “The report is written.”
• Past Simple: was/were + V3 → “The report was written.”
• Future Simple: will be + V3 → “The report will be written.”
• Present Continuous: is/are being + V3 → “The report is being reviewed.”
• Past Continuous: was/were being + V3 → “The report was being reviewed.”
• Present Perfect: has/have been + V3 → “The report has been published.”
• Past Perfect: had been + V3 → “The report had been published.”
• Future Perfect: will have been + V3 → “The report will have been published.”

Can modal verbs be used in passive sentences?

Yes. Use modal + be + past participle: “The files must be backed up,” “The tickets can be collected at the desk,” “The application should be submitted by Friday.” With perfect modal meaning, use modal + have been + V3: “The parcel should have been delivered.”

How do I form passive questions and negatives?

For questions, invert the auxiliary be or modal: “Is the order being prepared?” “Has the invoice been sent?” “Will the results be announced?” For negatives, place not after the auxiliary: “The order is not being prepared,” “The invoice has not been sent.”

Do I always need “by + agent” in a passive clause?

No. Include the agent only when it adds necessary information, contrast, or credibility (“The study was conducted by a neutral lab”). Omit it if the agent is obvious, unknown, generic, or distracting (“The suspect was arrested,” where the arresting body is obvious).

What is the difference between the be-passive and the get-passive?

The be-passive is neutral and formal (“He was promoted”). The get-passive is more informal or emphasizes change and outcome (“He got promoted”). In academic and formal contexts, prefer the be-passive; in conversation or narratives emphasizing result, get can be effective.

How do I handle verbs with two objects (give, send, offer, teach)?

With ditransitive verbs, either object can become the passive subject. Active: “They gave me a refund.” Passive option 1 (indirect object focus): “I was given a refund.” Passive option 2 (direct object focus): “A refund was given to me.” Choose based on what you want to emphasize first.

Can phrasal verbs and prepositional verbs be used in passive voice?

Yes, if they are transitive. Keep particles or prepositions attached to the verb: “They called off the meeting” → “The meeting was called off.” “People look up to her” → “She is looked up to.” Maintain natural particle placement.

What are common mistakes when forming the passive?

• Using the base form instead of the past participle (✗ “was write” → ✓ “was written”).
• Mismatching tense or agreement in the auxiliary be (✗ “The results is published”).
• Forcing passive with intransitive verbs (✗ “was happened”).
• Overusing “by + agent” when it is obvious or unhelpful.
• Creating heavy, unclear sentences by stacking auxiliaries without need.

How does passive voice affect tone and clarity?

Passive voice often sounds more objective and process-focused, which benefits reports and research. However, excessive passives can obscure responsibility or make prose wordy. Choose passive when it improves focus or neutrality; otherwise prefer active for directness and energy.

Can imperatives and instructions be written in passive?

Yes, especially in formal notices or procedural texts: “Be advised,” “Be informed,” “Forms should be completed in black ink.” Passive imperatives are less direct and more institutional in tone, which suits manuals, policies, and safety signage.

What about long noun phrases and passive voice in academic writing?

Academic texts often feature complex subjects and passive reporting verbs: “A novel, data-driven framework for anomaly detection is proposed.” Ensure readability by placing new or heavy information at the end and keeping auxiliary chains concise. Balance passive with strategic active sentences for flow.

Are there passive constructions without “by” but with other prepositions?

Definitely. Some verbs pair naturally with different prepositions: “The room was filled with light,” “She is known for her research,” “He is respected by peers,” “The product is associated with quality.” These are still passive patterns driven by the past participle.

How can I practice converting active to passive effectively?

• Underline S–V–O in short active sentences, then convert and check tense fidelity.
• Rewrite news headlines both ways to study changes in focus (“Police arrest suspect” ↔ “Suspect is arrested”).
• Create a tense grid and drill forms: simple, continuous, perfect, and modals.
• Record a short paragraph in active and revise it into passive; compare tone and clarity.

What quick checklist should I use before finalizing a passive sentence?

1. Does the verb take a direct object? If not, avoid passive.
2. Is the tense preserved via the correct form of be + past participle?
3. Is “by + agent” necessary for meaning, credibility, or contrast?
4. Is the sentence as clear and concise as the active alternative?
5. Does the focus align with your communicative goal (result vs. actor)?

Can you show a mini before–after set across common tenses?

Present Simple: “They ship orders daily.” → “Orders are shipped daily.”
Past Simple: “The team solved the issue.” → “The issue was solved.”
Present Continuous: “Engineers are testing the build.” → “The build is being tested.”
Present Perfect: “We have updated the policy.” → “The policy has been updated.”
Future with Modal: “You must submit the form.” → “The form must be submitted.”