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Passive Variations

Passive Variations

Reference

Rule Example
is being + PPhappening nowThe road is being repaired.
has been + PPrecent, with a resultMy bike has been stolen.
modal + be + PPpossibility, rule, adviceTickets can be bought online.
have sth donesomeone does it for youI had my hair cut.

Common mistakes

  1. The road is repairing. → The road is being repaired.
    a road can't repair itself → passive
  2. My phone has stolen. → My phone has been stolen.
    present perfect passive needs been
  3. Tickets can buy online. → Tickets can be bought online.
    modal + be + past participle
  4. I cut my hair at the hairdresser's. → I had my hair cut at the hairdresser's.
    someone did it for you → have something done

Passive Variations — Exercises

Choose the correct passive

Circle the correct answer.

  1. Sorry, you can't use the lift. It _____ at the moment. (is repairing / is being repaired / has repaired)
  2. Oh no! My bike _____! (has stolen / has been stolen / is stealing)
  3. Tickets _____ at the door or online. (can buy / can be bought / can bought)
  4. The winner _____ tomorrow evening. (will announce / will be announced / is announcing)
  5. I _____ at the hairdresser's last Saturday. (cut my hair / had my hair cut / had cut my hair)
  6. Phones _____ off during the film. (must switch / must be switched / must switched)
  7. A new shopping centre _____ near our school. (is being built / is building / has building)
  8. He _____ hurt playing rugby. (got / had / did)

Complete with the passive

Write the missing word or words.

  1. The match   (cancel) because of the rain.
  2. Our house   (paint) this week, so we're staying with my aunt.
  3. This milk should   (keep) in the fridge.
  4. We're   (have / the car / repair) at the garage.
  5. Have you   (invite) to Sara's party?
  6. The results   (send) to you next week.

Passive Variations — Answer Key

Choose the correct passive

  1. is being repaired — Happening now + passive → is being repaired.
  2. has been stolen — Recent action, result now → has been stolen.
  3. can be bought — Modal passive: can + be + past participle → can be bought.
  4. will be announced — Future passive: will be announced.
  5. had my hair cut — Someone did it for me → had my hair cut.
  6. must be switched — Rule + passive → must be switched.
  7. is being built — In progress → is being built.
  8. got — get + past participle = an informal passive: he got hurt.

Complete with the passive

  1. has been cancelled
  2. is being painted
  3. be kept
  4. having the car repaired
  5. been invited
  6. will be sent