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Learn how to transition sentences between active and passive voice across all English tenses.
Voice is the form of a verb that indicates whether the subject of the sentence performs the action or is the recipient of the action. English has two voices: active voice and passive voice.
In the active voice, the subject performs the action expressed by the verb (e.g., 'The hunter shot the tiger'). In the passive voice, the subject receives the action (e.g., 'The tiger was shot by the hunter'). The object of the active verb becomes the subject of the passive verb. To form the passive voice, we use the appropriate tense of the verb 'to be' followed by the past participle of the main verb.
CBSE and Cambridge curricula place emphasis on transforming sentences between active and passive voices. Not all sentences can be transformed; only transitive verbs (verbs that take a direct object) can be converted to passive voice. Intransitive verbs (like go, run, sit) cannot be made passive. Understanding when to use the passive voice (such as when the agent is unknown, obvious, or less important than the action itself) is crucial for scientific writing and formal reports.
All 8 grammar rules for Voice
To convert active to passive: make the active object the passive subject, add the verb 'to be' in the same tense as the active verb, and use the past participle of the main verb.
Only sentences with transitive verbs (verbs that have a direct object) can be converted to the passive voice. Intransitive verbs cannot be made passive.
Omit the 'by + agent' phrase in the passive voice if the agent is unknown, obvious, or unimportant.
For continuous tenses, insert 'being' between the verb 'to be' and the past participle.
For perfect tenses, insert 'been' between the auxiliary (has/have/had) and the past participle.
To form the passive of modal verbs (can, must, should, will), use 'modal + be + past participle'.
If the active verb has both a direct and an indirect object, either can become the passive subject. The person-object is usually preferred.
Construct the passive of imperative sentences using 'Let + subject + be + past participle', or by using phrases like 'You are ordered/requested to...'.
8 worked examples with analysis
The chef prepared a delicious five-course meal.
This is in the Active voice, where the subject 'chef' is performing the action 'prepared'.
A delicious five-course meal was prepared by the chef.
This is in the Passive voice. The active object 'meal' becomes the subject, followed by 'was' (past tense of be) + 'prepared' (past participle).
The authorities are constructing a new bridge over the river.
Active Present Continuous: subject 'authorities' is performing the action 'are constructing'.
A new bridge is being constructed over the river by the authorities.
Passive Present Continuous: 'is being constructed' uses 'being' to maintain the continuous aspect.
The postman had delivered the letters before noon.
Active Past Perfect: showing action completed in the earlier past.
The letters had been delivered before noon by the postman.
Passive Past Perfect: 'had been delivered' inserts 'been' to maintain the perfect aspect.
You should submit the assignment before Friday.
Active sentence using the modal auxiliary verb 'should'.
The assignment should be submitted before Friday.
Passive modal construction: 'should be submitted'. The agent 'by you' is omitted as it is understood.
5 common mistakes students make — and how to fix them
The letter was wrote by him yesterday.
The letter was written by him yesterday.
He was gone to school.
He went to school. (Active only)
A house is building by the workers.
A house is being built by the workers.
Let the window be not opened.
Let the window not be opened.
The match will win by our team.
The match will be won by our team.
15 practice questions — fill-blank, MCQ, transform & more
Change the sentence into passive voice.
The police caught the thief.
Change the sentence into passive voice.
She is singing a beautiful song.
Change the sentence into passive voice.
They have completed the project.
Change the sentence into passive voice.
You must wash your hands.
Change the sentence into passive voice (Imperative).
Open the door.
Change the sentence into active voice.
The tree was blown down by the wind.
Change the sentence into active voice.
The cake is being cut by the birthday girl.
Change the sentence into active voice.
My book had been stolen.
Identify if the sentence is Active or Passive.
The glass was broken by accident.
Fill in the blank with the correct passive verb form.
English ______ (speak) all over the world.
Fill in the blank with the correct passive form.
The houses ______ (destroy) by the fire last night.
Change the sentence into passive voice, starting with 'I'.
She gave me a beautiful pen.
Change the sentence into passive voice.
Who wrote this book?
Change the sentence into passive voice.
They will play the match tomorrow.
Change the sentence into passive voice.
She had already cooked the meal.
Convert to Passive: 'The chef prepared a delicious meal.'
10 key revision points for quick review before exams
Active voice: Subject performs the action. Passive voice: Subject receives the action.
To make a sentence passive: Object becomes subject, add 'be' verb, and use past participle.
Only transitive verbs can be used in passive voice.
Omit the agent (by whom) if unknown, obvious, or unimportant.
For continuous tenses, use 'being' in the passive (e.g., is being built).
For perfect tenses, use 'been' in the passive (e.g., has been written).
Modal passive: modal + be + past participle (e.g., must be kept).
If there are two objects, either can become the subject in the passive.
Imperative passive: 'Let' + subject + 'be' + past participle.
Use passive voice to focus on the action rather than the actor (common in reports).
Frequently asked questions about Voice