Passive Voice: Past Perfect

1. Overview: The past perfect passive voice is used to show that an action was completed before another action in the past, and the focus is on the action itself rather than who performed it. It is formed using "had been" followed by the past participle of the verb. 2. Cases of Usage: Case 1: To describe an action that was done to the subject before another past action. Example: The book had been read by her before the meeting started. Case 2: To emphasize the result of a previous action in the past. Example: The project had been finished before the deadline. Case 3: To indicate that something was completed prior to a specific time in the past. Example: The homework had been submitted by the time the teacher arrived. 3. Exceptions or Things to Pay Attention To: 1) Not all verbs can be easily used in the passive voice. For example, intransitive verbs (verbs that do not take a direct object) cannot be used in the passive form. Example: The dog had run away (not "had been run away"). 2) Also, the passive voice is often used in formal writing, so it might sound less natural in casual conversation. 3) In passive voice, the subject may or may not be mentioned. Both options are correct: "The meal had been prepared" and "The meal had been prepared by the chef." The second option is used when we want to emphasize or specify who is performing the action. 4. Additional Notes: Common mistakes include mixing up active and passive forms. Remember that in passive constructions, the focus is on the action and the recipient, not the doer. Always use the past participle of the main verb after "had been."