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:
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.