What is passive voice in English?
The passive voice is when the object of the action becomes the subject: 'The letter was sent' instead of 'Someone sent the letter'. We use it when the doer is unknown, unimportant, or we want to focus on the action. Form: be + past participle.
When to use passive
Use passive when the doer is unknown ('The window was broken'), obvious ('He was arrested'), or less important than the action ('The report was published'). In speaking we often use active when possible; passive is more common in formal or written English. Rozy helps you practise both.
Passive in speaking
We do use passive in speech ('I was told...', 'It was built in 1990'). Practising in full sentences with feedback helps you get the form right (be + past participle).
Frequently asked questions
- What is the passive voice?
- A structure where the object of the action is the subject: 'The letter was sent' (instead of 'Someone sent the letter'). Form: be + past participle.
- When should I use passive?
- When who did the action is unknown, obvious, or less important. Also in formal or technical writing. In casual speech we often prefer active.
- How can I practise passive?
- Describe events where the doer isn't important: 'The meeting was postponed', 'It was decided that...' Rozy gives you feedback on form.
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