Simple Passive

What is the Simple Passive?

The passive voice moves the focus from the agent (doer) to the action or its recipient. Use it when the agent is unknown, unimportant, or obvious, or when you want to make writing more formal and impersonal. The 'by-phrase' is optional.

Formula

Present Simple Passive

S + is / are + past participle (by agent)

Past Simple Passive

S + was / were + past participle (by agent)

Active → Passive

Active object becomes passive subject | 'by' + active subject (optional)

Example Sentences

The annual report is published every December.

All expense claims are reviewed by the finance department.

The contract was signed by both parties last Friday.

The new policy was announced at the staff meeting.

Deliveries are made every Monday and Thursday.

The proposal was rejected by the committee.

All candidates are required to bring a valid ID.

The damaged equipment was replaced immediately.

Invoices are sent to clients at the end of each month.

The budget was approved by the board of directors.

Common Mistakes

The policy was announce last week.

The policy was announced last week.

Passive requires the PAST PARTICIPLE, not the base verb.

The report is written by them every quarter.

The report is written every quarter. ('by them' is unnecessary if obvious)

Omit the by-phrase when the agent is obvious or unimportant.

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