When the active verb is in the simple present tense, we make passive verb forms with is/am/are + past participle form of the verb. Note that the object of the active verb becomes the subject of the passive verb. The subject of the active verb becomes the object of the passive verb. However, in most cases, the object is not mentioned in the passive voice.
Read the following sentences.
She writes a story. (Active) (Subject – she; verb – writes; object – a story)
We have already learned that the object of the active verb becomes the subject of the passive verb. Therefore when we change the above sentence into the passive, ‘a story’ becomes the subject.
- A story is written by her.
- She adores kids. (Active) (Subject – she; verb – adores; object – kids)
- Kids are adored by her. (Passive)
Exercise
Change the following sentences in the active voice into the passive voice.
1. He helps us.
2. Doctors treat patients.
3. Teachers teach students.
4. Parents bring up children.
5. We love our country.
6. Masons build houses.
7. Carpenters make furniture.
8. Mechanics repair cars.
Answers
1. We are helped by him.
2. Patients are treated by doctors.
3. Students are taught by teachers.
4. Children are brought up by parents.
5. Our country is loved by us.
6. Houses are built by masons.
7. Furniture is made by carpenters.
8. Cars are repaired by mechanics.