Passive verb forms are used to say what happens to people and things. Note all verbs can have passive forms. Passive structures are impossible with intransitive verbs because they do not have objects. Some transitive verbs are also not used in the passive.
This grammar exercise tests your understanding of passive structures.
Fill in the blanks with an appropriate passive form.
1She likes ...............
Wrong!
After "likes", the passive gerund is "being looked at".
2The table ............... up for firewood.
Wrong!
The passive past simple form is "was broken".
3The roof ............... by the masons.
Wrong!
The passive present continuous form is "is being repaired".
4This bag ............... of leather.
Wrong!
For materials, the passive form is "is made".
5The walls ...............
Wrong!
The passive present continuous form is "are still being painted".
6Their house ...............
Wrong!
The passive present perfect form is "has been sold".
7The contractor said that the project ............... by Monday.
Wrong!
In reported speech, the passive form is "would be finished".
8These tablets ............... with food.
Wrong!
The passive form after a modal is "must be taken".
9The parcel ............... by courier yesterday.
Wrong!
With "yesterday", the passive past simple form is "was sent".
10Your life ............... by this book.
Wrong!
The passive future simple form is "will be changed".
11This ............... last week.
Wrong!
For a past obligation not completed on time, the passive modal perfect is "should have been done".
12I ............... by his attitude.
Wrong!
To describe the feeling caused by his attitude, use "was shocked".
Answers
- She likes being looked at.
- The table was broken up for firewood.
- The roof is being repaired by the masons.
- This bag is made of leather.
- The walls are still being painted.
- Their house has been sold.
- The contractor said that the project would be finished by Monday.
- These tablets must be taken with food.
- The parcel was sent by courier yesterday.
- Your life will be changed by this book.
- This should have been done last week.
- I was shocked by his attitude.