Passive verb forms

Exercises: 1 2 3 4

Exercise 2

Choose the correct passive verb tense or form to complete the following sentences.

1 When we called, she didn't answer because she ______ for the job.

A.has been interviewed

B.was interviewed

C.was being interviewed

2 We are sorry about the problem, sir; but don't worry, the mistake ______ right now.

A.has being corrected

B.was corrected

C.is being corrected

3 English ______ understood in most countries in the world.

A.is

B.is being

C.has been

4 He ______ promoted and now he is the accounts manager.

A.is

B.had been

C.has been

5 These photos ______ during the president's last trip to Nigeria.

A.are taken

B.were taken

C.have been taken

6 The hotel was completely different the second time we stayed. It ______ redecorated.

A.is

B.has been

C.had been

7 The building _____ totally destroyed by the fire. All its neighbours are staying in hotels or with relatives.

A.is

B.was

C.has been

8 He ______ introduced to the Royal Family at the age of 13.

A.has been

B.was

C.was being

9 He is a very promising artist. His songs ______ known all over the world. Choose TWO correct options

A.are going to be

B.are being

C.will be

10 The mechanic told me that my car ______ repaired until next week.

A.hasn't been

B.isn't going to be

C.isn't

Exercises: 1 2 3 4

Passive voice in the different verb tenses

To make a passive verb form, we have to use be in a particular verb tense and add the past participle of the main verb after it. You can see how to use the passive voice with different verb tenses below.

Passive verb forms – all tenses

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Active and passive

In a passive sentence, the object of an active sentence becomes the subject. In a passive voice sentence, the subject is the receiver of the action, not the doer of the action.

‣ They take the photos in Africa. (active)

‣ The photos are taken in Africa. (passive)