Modal Passive

The modal passive combines any modal verb with 'be' + past participle. It is extremely common in formal and business English for policies, rules, instructions, and recommendations.

Formula

Present modal passive

S + modal + be + past participle

Past modal passive

S + modal + have been + past participle

All modals apply

must / should / can / could / will / would / may / might + be + PP

Example Sentences

All safety equipment must be inspected before each shift.

The deadline should be extended by one week.

Expenses can be reimbursed within 30 days of submission.

The proposal must have been approved before work started.

Changes to the policy should be communicated to all staff.

The report will be finalised by end of week.

All complaints must be submitted in writing.

This information may not be shared with third parties.

The contract could be amended before the signing date.

All equipment should be returned at the end of the contract.

Common Mistakes

All equipment must inspected before use.

All equipment must be inspected before use.

Modal passive always needs 'be' between the modal and the past participle.

The report should been submitted yesterday.

The report should have been submitted yesterday.

Past modal passive requires 'have been' + PP, not just 'been'.

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