Intermediate › Grammar
Intermediate 📝 Grammar
Passive voice
In the passive, the thing that receives the action becomes the subject: The report was written by Anu.
1What is it?
In the passive, the thing that receives the action becomes the subject: The report was written by Anu. We use it when the action matters more than who did it.
2Why do we use it?
News, work and formal writing use it constantly: The road is closed. Your order has been shipped. The meeting was cancelled.
3The simple rule
Be (in the right tense) + past participle. Add “by + person” only if it matters.
4Formula
object → subject + is / was / has been / will be + past participle
5Easy examples
The window was broken.
Rice is grown in Kuttanad.
The email has been sent.
The bridge will be opened next year.
6Everyday examples
My bike was stolen last week.
Breakfast is served from 7 to 10.
The results will be announced on Friday.
I was told to wait here.
7Kerala and India examples
Onam is celebrated all over Kerala.
The new metro line was opened in 2024.
Coconut oil is used in most Kerala dishes.
The exam has been postponed because of the rain.
8Common mistakes
The letter was send.
The letter was sent.
Why: Past participle: sent.
The food is cooking by Amma.
The food is being cooked by Amma. / Amma is cooking the food.
Why: Passive needs be + participle; or use active.
I was borned in Kochi.
I was born in Kochi.
Why: The participle is born.
9Practice quiz
Question 1 of 4Multiple choice
This building ___ in 1990.
10Speaking challenge
Speaking challenge
Describe how something is made or done — a Kerala dish, a festival, a process at your work — using the passive: First the rice is soaked… then it is…
0:30
Say it out loud. Nobody is listening — that’s the point. Mistakes are allowed.