Overview
The passive voice can be formed in all major tenses. Present simple: is done. Past simple: was done. Present perfect: has been done. Past perfect: had been done. Future: will be done. Present continuous: is being done. Each follows the pattern: appropriate form of 'be' + past participle.
Passive in All Tenses
- pres. simpleThe report is written every month.
- past simpleThe bridge was built in 1920.
- pres. perfectThe email has been sent.
- past perfectThe work had been completed.
- futureThe results will be announced tomorrow.
More Tenses
- pres. cont.The building is being renovated.
- past cont.The road was being repaired.
- future perfectIt will have been finished by June.
- modal pres.It must be done today.
- modal pastIt should have been checked.
Common Errors
- ❌ It is being wrote → ✅ It is being written.
- ❌ It has wrote → ✅ It has been written.
- ❌ It was being build → ✅ It was being built.
When to use
Past Events
Three people were arrested last night.
Scientific Writing
The samples are being analysed.
Future Plans
The results will be published next month.
Perfect Passive
The law has been changed twice this year.