Passive Voice


The passive voice  shifts the focus of a statement from the subject to the action or to shift focus from the doer of the action to the object.

Active voice: Jonas Salk developed the first polio vaccine.

Passive voice: The first vaccine was developed by the Jonas Salk.


The passive voice may also be used to:

  • Shift focus to the subject at hand "The law was found to be unconstitutional by the Supreme Court."
  • Maintain professional distance through a neutral and less personal tone
  • Obfuscate responsibility "Mistakes were made."


Verb tenses in the passive voice
Tense Active Voice Passive Voice
Present Simple She writes a book. A book is written (by her).
Past Simple They built the house. The house was built (by them).
Future Simple He will finish the project. The project will be finished.
Present Continuous They are painting the walls. The walls are being painted.
Present Perfect She has completed the task. The task has been completed.