Learn Passive Voice Tenses in English Grammar
Since we are trying to learn the mode of communication through passive voice, let us now have the same scenarios with passive sentences for a better understanding of the above:
Scenario 1 of Passive Speech
(1) Computer is being used by Mr. James.
(2) Computer is being used.
Both of the above sentences carry the same meaning; however, adding the subject at the end of sentence would not give any extra meaning. The object is of prime concern, therefore, only it is being mentioned whether that object is available or not.
Scenario 2 of Passive Voice Tenses
The class is being taught by the teacher.
The class is being taught.
It is evident that a class is taught by a teacher/lecturer etc. hence there seems no need to mention the word teacher, though it might be mentioned if there are situations contrary to traditions. It depends upon the situation and need of information which is being sought by the listener or is being conveyed by the speaker or respondent. Grammar does not put any condition where to use passive or which place is not for active; having said so, it must also be mentioned that grammar does want you to be sensible enough to use it wisely so as not to be mocked while speaking or writing seemingly grammatically correct English though it may be logically insensible.
It is very easy to understand the formation of passive voice tenses. A few examples with formation rules are mentioned below:
A. To form passive of indefinite tenses we use helping verb of continuous tenses with the object e.g.
(1) A book is written.
(2) Car is purchased.
(3) Balloons are made.
(4) I am taught.
(5) He was brought to court.
(6) The clothes were hung.
(7) I was taught.
(8) He will be brought here.
B. The formation of Perfect tenses is made with the addition of been for each tense e.g.
(1) The kite has been flown.
(2) Cars have been washed.
(3) I had been taught.
C. The word being is added after helping verbs of continuous tenses for formation of passive voice:
(1) He is being dragged to school.
(2) We are being taught.
(3) I am being told by you.
(4) They were being taken to Marree.
(5) He was being fed.
We have converted just 7 tenses for passive speech; in addition only future conditional tense may be used in passive voice as per tradition, however, technically it is possible to transform all tenses into passive voice, though it would not be acceptable in practical English Language.
