Overview
Passive questions are formed by inverting the auxiliary verb and subject. Examples: Was the report finished? Has the letter been sent? Will the decision be announced? WH passive questions add the question word at the start: When was the building constructed? Who was the award given to?
Forming Passive Questions
- yes/noAuxiliary + subject + past participle?
- exampleWas the report approved?
- exampleHas the email been sent?
- WHWH word + auxiliary + subject + past participle?
- exampleWhen was the bridge built?
Questions Across Tenses
- past simpleWas it finished on time?
- pres. perfectHas it been approved?
- futureWill it be announced?
- modalShould it be done today?
- WHWhere was it made?
Common Errors
- ❌ Was built the bridge in 1920? → ✅ Was the bridge built in 1920?
- ❌ Has the letter sent? → ✅ Has the letter been sent?
- ❌ When built was the bridge? → ✅ When was the bridge built?
When to use
Yes/No Questions
Has the application been processed?
WH Questions
When was the decision made?
Formal Enquiries
Has the contract been signed yet?
Investigation
Where were the documents found?