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Advanced 📝 Grammar

Advanced passives

Beyond the basic passive: passives with modals (must be done), reporting passives (It is said that…, He is believed to be…), and have something done (I had my car repaired)..

1What is it?

Beyond the basic passive: passives with modals (must be done), reporting passives (It is said that…, He is believed to be…), and have something done (I had my car repaired).

2Why do we use it?

These are the grammar of professional and formal English — reports, news, emails, presentations.

3The simple rule

Modal passive: modal + be + participle. Reporting: It is + said / thought / believed + that…, or subject + is said to + verb. Causative: have / get + object + participle.

4Formula

must / should / can be + participle  ·  It is said that…  ·  have + object + participle

5Easy examples

The form must be signed.
It is said that he is very rich.
She is thought to be in London.
I had my hair cut.Someone did it for me

6Everyday examples

This should have been finished yesterday.
The company is expected to announce results tomorrow.
We had the house painted last month.
Mistakes can be corrected, so don’t worry.

7Kerala and India examples

Kerala is said to have the highest literacy rate in India.
The road is expected to be reopened before Onam.
We got the roof repaired before the monsoon.
All applications must be submitted online.

8Common mistakes

It is said he to be rich.
He is said to be rich. / It is said that he is rich.
Why: Two patterns — don’t mix them.
I cut my hair yesterday (at a salon).
I had my hair cut yesterday.
Why: Someone else did it → had + object + participle.
The report must been sent.
The report must be sent.
Why: Modal + be + participle.

9Practice quiz

Question 1 of 4Multiple choice
The documents ___ by Friday.

10Speaking challenge

Speaking challenge

Explain a rule at your work or college using must be / should be / can be. Then tell me 3 things you have done for you (I have my… delivered / repaired…).

0:30

Say it out loud. Nobody is listening — that’s the point. Mistakes are allowed.

Finish this lesson

Do the practice quiz above, then mark it complete.

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