The Passive Voice

Form:

Object + be (tense of the active verb) + past participle (active verb) + (by + subject)

Purpose: 

The passive voice is mainly applied in verbal and written communication for the considerations below:

• focus on the action itself;
• draw the attention of the listener (reader) from the agent (subject) to the action itself.

Example: 

Active voice:             

They          switch off             the lights                in the morning.

Passive voice:        

– subject:  they

–  object:  the lights

–  active verb: switch off

–  the tense of the active verb:  simple present

The lights + be (simple present) + past participle (switch off) + (by +  subject)

 The lights                  are                                     switched off       in the morning

 Note:  

” by + subject”  is optional  in the passive voice.

It is often used when the subject (agent) is definite.                    

Modals:

Form:

Object + modal + be + past participle (active verb) + (by + subject)

Example:    

Active voice:             

They                can             accept          our offer                   

Passive voice:        

– subject:  they

–  object:  our offer

–  active verb: accept

–  modal:  can

 Our offer           can            be            accepted.