The passive voice is a key grammatical concept in English that allows you to shift the focus of a sentence. Unlike the active voice, where the subject performs the action, the passive voice emphasizes the action itself or the recipient of the action. This structure is particularly useful in formal writing and helps to highlight important information. Whether you’re preparing for the International English Test (IET) or simply improving your English skills, understanding when and how to use the passive voice is essential.
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What is the Passive Voice?
In a passive voice sentence, the subject receives the action rather than performing it. This shift in focus allows us to emphasize the object or recipient of the action instead of the doer.
For example:
- Active voice: The teacher explained the lesson.
- Passive voice: The lesson was explained by the teacher.
The passive voice is often used when the doer of the action is unknown, unimportant, or obvious from context.
How to Form the Passive Voice
The passive voice in English is formed using two main components:
- The appropriate form of the verb to be (am, is, are, was, were, etc.).
- The past participle of the main verb.
Examples of Passive Voice Forms:
- Simple Present: The house is cleaned every day.
- Present Continuous: The house is being cleaned at the moment.
- Simple Past: The house was cleaned yesterday.
- Future: The house will be cleaned next week.
- Present Perfect: The house has been cleaned since you left.
When to Use the Passive Voice
The passive voice serves several functions in English. It is commonly used in these contexts:
1. To Emphasize the Action or Object
In many cases, the passive voice is used when the action itself or the object receiving the action is more important than the person or thing performing the action. For example:
- The passive voice is used frequently. (We are focusing on the passive voice itself, not who uses it.)
- The house was built in 1654. (We’re more interested in the house than the builder.)
2. When the Doer is Unknown or Irrelevant
Sometimes, the doer of the action is unknown, unimportant, or implied:
- My car has been stolen! (We don’t know who stole the car.)
- The road is being repaired. (We are focusing on the road, not the people doing the repairs.)
3. In Formal or Impersonal Contexts
The passive voice is frequently used in formal writing, such as in scientific texts, reports, or official communications. It helps maintain an objective tone by removing the focus from the subject performing the action.
4. When the Action is More Important than the Subject
In certain situations, the passive voice helps to put the focus on what happened rather than who made it happen:
- A Hard Day’s Night was written by The Beatles.
- The movie ET was directed by Spielberg.
While the passive voice allows you to avoid identifying the doer, you can still mention it with the preposition “by.” For example:
- The book was written by J.K. Rowling.
- The building was constructed by the engineers.
Passive Voice with Modal Verbs and Gerunds
1. Passive Voice with Infinitives
The passive voice can be used after modal verbs and certain verbs that are typically followed by an infinitive. Here are some examples:
- You have to be tested on your English grammar.
- She wants to be invited to the party.
- I expect to be surprised on my birthday.
2. Passive Voice with Gerunds
The passive voice can also be used with gerunds when talking about actions in a general, continuous sense.
- The children are excited about being taken to the zoo.
- Most film stars hate being interviewed.
Why Use the Passive Voice?
The passive voice is commonly used in formal writing, scientific contexts, and when the agent is unknown or irrelevant. Mastering this structure is particularly important for those preparing for the International English Test (IET), as it often appears in both the writing and speaking components of the exam.
For instance, when describing procedures or facts, using the passive voice can help convey information in a more objective manner:
- The experiment was conducted to study the effects of temperature on the chemical reaction.
- The project is expected to be completed by next month.
Conclusion
Understanding how to use the passive voice is crucial for anyone preparing for the International English Test (IET). Whether you’re describing a process, stating facts, or focusing on the action, the passive voice offers flexibility in communication. Practice using the passive voice in different tenses and contexts to improve your grammar and sentence structure. By mastering this technique, you can significantly improve both your written and spoken English.
If you’re aiming for a C1 or C2 level of English, getting familiar with structures like the passive voice is essential. Test your skills with the IET and receive a certificate that demonstrates your proficiency!
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