1. Overview:
The passive voice is used when the focus is on the action itself rather than who is doing the action. In the present simple tense, the passive voice is formed using the verb "to be" in the present (is/are) plus the past participle of the main verb. It is often used in formal writing or when the person who does the action is unknown or unimportant.
2. Cases of Usage:
Case 1: To describe actions where the person is not important or unknown.
Example: The book is read by many students.
Case 2: To emphasize the action rather than the subject.
Example: The report is written every month.
Case 3: To state facts or general truths.
Example: English is spoken in many countries.
3. Form negative and interrogative sentences this way:
- The report isn't written every month.
- Is English spoken in many countries?
4. Exceptions or Things to Pay Attention To:
Not all verbs can be used in the passive voice. Some verbs, especially intransitive verbs (verbs that do not take a direct object), cannot be made passive.
Example: "He sleeps." cannot be changed to passive because "sleep" does not have a direct object.
5. Additional Notes:
Common mistakes include confusing the active and passive forms. Remember that in the passive voice, the focus is on the action and the receiver of the action rather than the subject performing the action.
