Passive voice — all tenses
be + past participle across every tense, using Unit 32 words.
The passive puts the action first: be + past participle. The tense is shown by the verb 'be'. Every example uses this unit's process-and-service vocabulary, one tense at a time.
A — How it works
Form: subject + be (correct tense) + past participle (+ by + agent). Only 'be' changes for tense.
1) Present & past simple passive
is/are done · was/were done.
- Breakfast is served at seven (present simple).
- Rooms are cleaned every morning (present simple).
- The table was booked online (past simple).
- The meeting was cancelled yesterday (past simple).
2) Perfect & continuous passive
has/have been done · is being done.
- The order has been completed (present perfect).
- New menus are being prepared now (present continuous).
- The rooms had been cleaned before check-in (past perfect).
- Complaints are being handled by the manager (present continuous).
3) Future & modal passive
will be done · can be done.
- Your refund will be processed on Friday (future).
- The CV will be sent tomorrow (future).
- The room can be booked online (modal).
- The report must be completed by Monday (modal).
The rest of this lesson is in the General English course:
- B — Quick reference
- Remember
Try it: Choose the correct form
Select the best option.
- Breakfast ___ served at seven. (present)
(a) is (b) was (c) will - The table ___ booked online yesterday. (past)
(a) was (b) is (c) has - The order ___ been completed. (present perfect)
(a) has (b) is (c) was - Your refund ___ be processed on Friday. (future)
(a) will (b) is (c) has - New menus ___ being prepared now. (present continuous)
(a) are (b) were (c) have - Passive = be + ___.
(a) past participle (b) base verb (c) -ing
Check your answers in the course — it marks them instantly. This is one of the unit's 3 exercises; the other 2 are in the General English course too.
Practise this unit in the course →