PASSIVE VOICE

Use of Passive

Passive voice is used when the focus is on the action. It is not important or not known, however, who or what is performing the action.

Form of Passive

Subject + finite form of to be + Past Participle (3rd column of irregular verbs)

When rewriting active sentences in passive voice, note the following:

§  the object of the active sentence becomes the subject of the passive sentence

§  the finite form of the verb is changed (to be + past participle)

§  the subject of the active sentence becomes the object of the passive sentence (or is dropped)

Example:

Rita writes a letter  - Active voice

A letter is written by Rita  -   Passive voice

ACTIVITY

Rewrite the sentences in passive voice.

1. He opens the door. -

2. We clean the table. -

3. She pays a lot of money. -

4. I draw a picture. -

5. They wear blue shoes. -

6. They don't help you. -

7. He doesn't open the book. -

8. You do not write the letter. -