Passive Voice
- When we use Passive Voice we focus on the performance of an action rather than on the performer of that action. That is the purpose of this structure.
- The Passive Voice is a part of many different tenses but the formula for building a sentence in this structure is always the same.
- To make a passive sentence we simply add the following formula to the tense: To be + past participle (v3) . (see examples below.)
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The best song (subject) was (to be) chosen (v3)
- The past participle is the second past form of irregular verbs and the normal past form of regular verbs. Choose → chose —> chosen (irregular verb) Study → studied (regular verb)
Please see the table below of all the tenses that are used with Passive Voice and a comparison between active sentences and passive sentences. This will help you use the passive across all tenses.
Active Sentences
Passive Sentences
A group of judges chooses the best song by the end of each show. (Present Simple) |
A group of judges is choosing the best song right now. (Present progressive) |
A group of judges has chosen the best song. (Present Perfect Simple) |
A group of judges chose the best song yesterday. (Past Simple) |
A group of judges were choosing the best song during intermission. (Past Progressive) |
A group of judges had chosen the best song by the end of the show. (Past Perfect Simple) |
A group of judges will choose the best song, that’s the best idea. (Future Simple) |
A group of judges will have chosen by the end of the show. (Future Perfect Simple) |
The best song is chosen by the end of each show. (Present Simple Passive) |
The best song is being chosen at this very moment. (Present progressive Passive) |
The best song has been chosen and we are ready to publish the results. (Present Perfect Simple Passive) |
The best song was chosen yesterday. (Past Simple Passive) |
The best song was being chosen during intermission. (Past Progressive Passive) |
The best song had been chosen by the end of the show. (Past Perfect Simple Passive) |
The best song will be chosen, I’m sure. (Future Simple Passive) |
The best song will have been chosen by the end of the show. (Future Perfect Simple) |
