1. Overview:
The passive voice in the Present Continuous tense is used to focus on the action being done to the subject rather than who is performing the action. It is formed by using the verb "to be" in the Present Continuous (am/is/are + being) followed by the Past Participle of the main verb. This structure is useful when the doer of the action is unknown, unimportant, or obvious.
2. Cases of Usage:
Case 1: When the focus is on the action rather than the doer.
Example: The homework is being completed by the students.
Case 2: When the doer of the action is unknown.
Example: A new park is being built in the neighborhood.
Case 3: When it is clear who is doing the action, but we want to emphasize the action itself.
Example: The song is being sung by the choir.
3. Ways of Formation:
Case 1: Affirmative sentences
In affirmative sentences, the structure is: Subject + is/are + being + past participle.
Example: The book is being read by the students.
Case 2: Negative sentences
In negative sentences, the structure is: Subject + is/are + not + being + past participle.
Example: The homework is not being completed by the children.
Case 3: Interrogative sentences
In interrogative sentences, the structure is: Is/Are + subject + being + past participle?
Example: Is the project being finished on time?
4. Exceptions or Things to Pay Attention To:
1) Not all verbs can be used in the passive voice. Intransitive verbs (verbs that do not take a direct object) cannot be made passive.
Example: The dog is barking. (This cannot be changed to passive.)
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 is being prepared" and "The meal is being prepared by the chef." The second option is used when we want to emphasize or specify who is performing the action.
5. Additional Notes:
Common mistakes include forgetting to use "being" in the structure or using the wrong form of the verb. Remember to always use the past participle of the main verb after "being." For example, "is being write" is incorrect; it should be "is being written."
