Passive Voice Cheat Sheet

Definition

Passive voice is used when the subject receives the action, rather than performing it. The focus is on the action itself or the object of the action.

Example: The ball was thrown by the boy.

Purpose

Use passive voice when the actor is unknown, unimportant, or obvious, or when you want to emphasize the action or the receiver of the action.

Example: Mistakes were made.

Active vs. Passive

Active voice: Subject performs the action. Passive voice: Subject receives the action.

Example: Active: The dog chased the cat. Passive: The cat was chased by the dog.

General Formula

Object + auxiliary verb 'to be' (is, are, was, were, been, being) + past participle of the main verb + (by + subject)

Example: The letter was written by her.

Present Simple Passive

Object + is/are + past participle

Example: The house is cleaned every day.

Past Simple Passive

Object + was/were + past participle

Example: The window was broken last night.

Present Continuous Passive

Object + is/are + being + past participle

Example: The food is being cooked right now.

Past Continuous Passive

Object + was/were + being + past participle

Example: The car was being repaired when I arrived.

Unknown Actor

When the actor is unknown or unimportant.

Example: The window was broken.

Emphasizing the Action

When the action is more important than the actor.

Example: The road is being repaired.

Formal Writing

Often used in scientific or formal writing to maintain objectivity.

Example: The experiment was conducted under controlled conditions.

Avoiding Blame

Can be used to avoid assigning blame or responsibility.

Example: A mistake was made.