English Grammar

Changing the Active verb into the Passive

When a sentence in the active voice is changed to the passive voice, the following changes occur:

1. The object of the active verb becomes the subject of the passive verb.

Alice invited John. (Active voice: subject – Alice; active verb – helped; object - John)
John was invited by Alice. (Passive Voice: subject – John; passive verb – was invited; object - Alice)

2. The verb changes its form according to the number and person of the subject.

I have written a novel. (Subject – I; verb – have written)
A novel has been written by me. (Subject – a novel; verb – has been written)

3. The subject of the verb in the active voice becomes the object of the verb in the passive voice and is introduced with a preposition like by.

They built this house in 1990.
This house was built by them in 1990.

4. The active verb changes its form to become the passive voice.

I am writing a letter. (Active verb – am writing)
A letter is being written by me. (Passive verb – is being written)

When the active verb has two objects

If the active verb has two objects, either of them can become the subject of the passive verb.

Ann will give you a present. (Active Voice)
You will be given a present by Ann. (Passive voice - indirect object becomes subject.)
A present will be given to you by Ann. (Passive voice - direct object becomes subject.)

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