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002
Passive Voice: Practice
Put the following sentences into the Passive Voice. Mention the agent only when necessary.
Question:

Did the headmaster set the questions ? (ACTIVE)

Answer :

Were the questions set by the headmaster? (PASSIVE)

1.
2.

A tourist guide showed us round the picturesque countryside.

We were shown around the picturesque country side by a tourist
guide
3.
A lorry ran over the dog.
4.
The dog was ran over by a lorry.
3.
Someone switched off the lights.
The lights were switched off.
5.

The author will write the book at the end of the year.
The book will be written by the author at the end of the year.

6.
7.
8.
9.

Did someone find a solution to the problem?

Someone found a solution to the problem.
A solution to the problem was found by someone.
Was a solution to the the problem found by someone?

Answers
1.

We were shown round the picturesque countryside by a

tourist guide.
2. The dog was run over by a lorry.
3. The lights were switched off.
4. The book will be written by the author at the end of the year.
5. Was a solution to the problem found ?
6. The informer was given fifty dollars' reward by the police.
7. The chair has been made very well by the blind man.
8. The window was closed by an unseen hand.
9. This lovely piece of music was composed by Beethoven.
10. What has been done about this ?
11. What was being loaded on to the lorry ?
12. In some countries women are still denied the right to vote.
13. I was told the news this morning by a good friend.
14. Were you frightened by the uproar ?
15. The frail boat was overturned by a gigantic wave.
16. I won't be treated as if I were a child !
17. Many outstanding poems were written by William Blake.
18. The chest has been locked, and it can't be opened.
19. Weren't you told to be here by three o'clock ?
20. A tree was knocked down by lightning last night.
21. I am told that your pen was stolen.
22. The thief was given a fair trial by the judge and was sent to
prison for two years.
23. I was deeply affected by her misery.
24. I was promised a watch if I obtained good results in the

examination.
25. This pen has been used only once since the day that it was
repaired.

6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

The police gave the informer fifty dollars' reward.

The blind man has made the chair very well.
Un unseen hand closed the window.
Beethoven composed this lovely piece of music.
What have people done about this?
What has been done by people about this?
10. What were the men loading on to the lorry ?
11. What was being loaded on to the lorry by the men?
12. They still deny women the right to vote in some countries.
13. A good friend told me the news this morning.
14. Did the uproar frighten you ?
Were you frightened by the uproar?
15. A gigantic wave overturned the frail boat.
16. They shall not (shan't ) treat me as if I were a child !
17. William Blake wrote many outstanding poems.
18. Somebody has locked the chest, and I can't open it ( two passives )
19. Didn't they tell you to be here by three o'clock?

Werent you told by them to be here by three oclock.

20. Lightning knocked a tree down last night.
21. They tell me that somebody stole your pen. ( two passives )
22. The judge gave the thief a fair trial and sent him to prison for two
years. ( two passives)
23. Her misery affected me deeply.
24. Someone promised me a watch if I obtained good results in the
examination.
25. I've used this pen only once since the day that I had it repaired. ( two
passives )

Exercise 17

Answers Exercise 17

Choose the best options

1C

1.

2.

We ______ by a loud noise during the night.

(A)

woke up

(B)

are woken up

(C)

were woken up

(D)

were waking up

There's somebody walking behind us. I think ______.

(A)

we are following

(B)

we are being followed

2B

3A

4C

5D

6C

3.

4.

5.

(C)

we are followed

(D)

we are being following

'Where ______ ?' 'In London.'

(A)

were you born

(B)

are you born

(C)

have you been born

(D)

did you born

The train ______ arrive at 11.30 but it was an hour late.

(A)

supposed to

(B)

is supposed to

(C)

was supposed to

(D)

were supposed to

Where ______ ? Which hairdresser did you go to?

(A)

did you cut your hair

(B)

have you cut your hair

(C)

did you have cut your hair

(D)

where did you have your hair cut

Where did you have your car repaired.

6.

Active : They scattered the books carelessly on the floor.

Passive : ____________________________________
(A)

The books were scattered on the floor

(B)

The books were scattered on the floor carelessly.

(C)

The books were carelessly scattered on the floor.

(D)

The books had been carelessly scattered on the floor.

Exercise 20
1.

He ______ by his teacher.

(A)

were praised

(B)

praised

(C)

was praised

(D)

been praised

2.
(A)
(B)

We ______ for the mistake.

blamed
She/ he/ it has been blamed

(C)

blames

(D)

will be blamed

3.
(A)

She ______ by her teacher to buy that book.

was asked

(B)

were asked

(C)

being asked

(D)
4.
(A)
(B)

have been
The stadium ______.
crowded
was crowded

(C)

were crowded

(D)

is crowding

5.
(A)
(B)

Cheese ______ from milk.

made
were made

(C)

is made

(D)

is making

6. That letter ______ by my father.

(A)
(B)

written
is writing

(C)

wrote

(D)

was written

7.

David ______ a new bicycle next week.

(A)

will be given

(B)

was given

(C)

have been given

(D)

was giving

8.

Active : Shaun painted his house.

Passive : His house ______ by Shaun.

(A)

painted

(B)

was paint

(C)

was painted

(D)

were painted

9.

Active : They made him king.

Passive : He ______ king.

(A)

was made

(B)

were made

(C)

was making

(D)

has been made

10.

Active : The driver will take you to the station.

Passive : You ______ to the station by the driver.

(A)

were taken

(B)

taken

(C)

have been taken

(D)

will be taken

Exercise 0
Change the following sentences into the Active Voice
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

The ball was kicked by him. He kicked the ball.

An orange is being eaten by her. She is eating an orange.
The work will be done by us. We will do the work.
The work was done by them yesterday. They did the work yesterday.
The money has been stolen by him. He has stolen the money.

6. They were given some foods by her. She gave some foods to them.
7. He was written a letter by me. I wrote a letter to him.
8. We were laughed at by them. They laughed by us.
9. A song was being sung by her when the police stormed her Karaoke house.
She was singing a song when the police stormed her karaoke house
10. The story has been told by me. I have told the story.

Answ er Exercise 0

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

He kicked the ball.

She is eating an orange.
They did the work.
He has stolen the money.
We shall do it.
She gave them some food.
I wrote him a letter.
They laughed at us.
She was sing a song.
I have told the story.

Exercise 1
1.

2.

Quite a number of houses in Molec Garden ______ last month.

(A)
(B)
(C)

broke into
broken into
was broken into

(D)

were broken into

The marsh was drained before it ______ for cultivation.

(A)

is used

3.

4.

5.

(B)

was used

(C)
(D)

has used
has been used

A fence ______ around the compound to keep out stray dogs.

(A)
(B)
(C)

Erect
Erected
were erected

(D)

has been erected

The goods ______ by lorry two days ago.

(A)
(B)

is delivered
was delivered

(C)

were delivered

(D)

has been delivered

The bus fares ______ three times this year.

(A)

have raised

(B)

have been raised

(C)
(D)

were raised
had raised

6.

7.

8.

9.

Every application ______ carefully by the selection committee every year.

(A)

is examined

(B)
(C)
(D)

was examined
were examined
has been examined

Many enquiries ______ from interested candidates.

(A)
(B)

is received
was received

(C)

were received

(D)

have received

The advertisement states that no working experience ______ .

(A)

is required

(B)
(C)
(D)

was required
has required
has been required

The guests ______ by four masked men.

(A)

are held up

(B)

were held up

(C)
(D)
10.

have held up
had held up

The visitors ______ by a guide during the tour of the museum.

(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

Accompanied
is accompanied
was accompanied
were accompanied

Answers : 1D

2B

3D

4C

5B

6A

7C

8A

Exercise 2

1.

2.

A party ______ to celebrate their victory.

(A)
(B)

had held
holds

(C)

was held

(D)

was to hold

What questions _____ you _____ at the interview ?

(A)

were ... asking

9B

10D

3.

4.

5.

(B)

were ... asked

(C)
(D)

are ... being asked

have ... ask

A book on archaeology _____ by the famous professor.

(A)
(B)

wrote
has written

(C)

was written

(D)

writes

You ______ to the manager's office.

(A)
(B)
(C)

have taken
will take
will be taking

(D)

will be taken

I _____ an invitation to a party.

(A)

am giving

(B)

have been given

(C)
(D)

have given
will give

6.

7.

8.

9.

_____ the room _____ yet ?

(A)
(B)

Is ... cleaning
Has ... cleaned

(C)

Has ... been cleaned

(D)

Was ... cleans

These curtains and cushion covers ______ by my mother.

(A)
(B)

have sewn
is sewing

(C)

had been sewn

(D)

can sew

All the figures and calculations ______ thoroughly.

(A)
(B)
(C)

should check
should be checking
should have checked

(D)

should be checked

A joke ______ seriously.

(A)
(B)

is not taken
is not to take

10.

(C)

is not to be taken

(D)

is not taking

These books ______ to us by the teacher.

(A)
(B)

recommended
were recommended

(C)
(D)

Answers : 1C

2B

have recommended
was being recommended

3C

4D

5B

6C

7C

8D

Exercise 3

Change the Voices of the Verbs in the following Sentences :

1.

The boy feeds his dogs twice a day

2.

The counselor advised the drug addict to change his ways.

3.

The naughty kids broke several windows in the fight.

4.

Suseela was selling her paintings at the exhibition.

5.

The villagers had built a house for the poor family.

6.

They will make every effort to raise funds for the orphanage.

9C

10B

7.

He wanted to sell his bicycle to help pay his school fees.

8.

The teacher has scolded her pupils for being disobedient.

9.

The volunteers rearranged the tables neatly.

10.

Someone had take the postman's bag by mistake.

11.

People think of his behavior as very strange.

12.

The lady was sleeping when they broke into the house.

Answers
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.

His dogs are fed twice a day.

The drug addict was advised by the counselor to change his ways.
Several windows were broken by the naughty kids in the fight.
Suseela's paintings were being sold at the exhibition.
A house had been built by the villagers for the poor family.
Every effort will be made to raise funds for the orphanage.
His bicycle was to be sold to help pay his school fees.
Her pupils have been scolded for being disobedient.
The tables were rearranged neatly by the volunteers.
The postman's bag had been taken by mistake.
His behavior is thought of as very strange.
The lady was sleeping when the house was broken into.

Exercise 4

Change the following sentences into the active voice.

1.

Our neighbor's car had been vandalized by thugs.

2.

Kamala was told the bad news as soon as she arrived.

3.

A Shakespearean play will be staged by Plus One Productions in a month's time.

4.

They were shown to the table by the restaurant manager himself.

5.

She is thought of as the most popular actress nowadays.

6.

The boy was asked to carry twenty kilograms of rice.

7.

The painting would have been stolen if he hadn't helped.

8.

Ravind was ordered out of the classroom for disrupting the class.

9.

He was caught for littering in the streets and fined.

10.

Many types of fish were being sold at the market every day.

11.

The book is to be given to my sister after this.

12.

Please see that the room is swept and mopped before I return.
Answers exercise 4
1.
2.
3.
4.

Thugs vandalized our neighbor's car.

Someone told Kamala the bad news as soon as she arrived.
Plus One Productions will stage a Shakespearean play in a month's time.
The restaurant manager showed them to the table himself.

5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.

People think she is the most popular actress nowadays.

Someone asked the boy to carry twenty kilograms of rice.
Someone would have stolen the painting if he hadn't helped.
The teacher ordered Ravind out of the classroom for disrupting the class.
The police caught him littering in the streets and fined him.
They sell many types of fish at the market every day.
You are to give the book to my sister after this.
Please see that somebody sweeps and mops the room before I return.

Exercise 5

Active : The ants are biting me.

1.
Passive : ____________

2.

(A)

I am being bitten by the ants.

(B)
(C)
(D)

I am being bit by the ants.

I am bitten by the ants.
I was being bitten by the ants.

Active : They are bringing in the luggage.

Passive : ____________
(A)
(B)
(C)
(D)

The luggage are bringing in.

The luggage is brought in.
The luggage are brought in.
The luggage is being brought in.

3.

Active : She rears ducks on the farm.

Passive : ____________

4.

(A)
(B)
(C)

On the farm are reared ducks.

Ducks will be reared on the farm.
Ducks is reared on the farm.

(D)

Ducks are reared on the farm.

Active : He broke all the equipment.

Passive : ____________

5.

(A)

All the equipment broke.

(B)

All the equipment was broken.

(C)
(D)

All the equipment were broken.

All the equipment was broke.

Active : Farah was tearing the old newspapers.

Passive : ____________

6.

(A)
(B)

The old newspapers was tearing.

The old newspapers were torn.

(C)

The old newspapers were being torn.

(D)

The old newspapers was being torn.

Active : I will meet my friend at the airport.

Passive : ____________

7.

(A)

My friend will be meet at the airport.

(B)

My friend will be met at the airport.

(C)
(D)

My friend will being met at the airport.

My friend will have been met at the airport.

Active : The laborers have cut down the tree.

Passive : ____________

8.

(A)

The tree has been cut down.

(B)
(C)
(D)

The tree has cut down.

The tree have been cut down.
The tree has been cutting down.

Active : Someone had sung the song before.

Passive : ____________

9.

(A)
(B)

The song had sung before.

The song had been sang before.

(C)

The song had been sung before.

(D)

The song had being sung before.

Active : I will have sold the video game to Harris.

Passive : ____________

10.

(A)
(B)
(C)

Harris will have sold the video game.

I will have sold to Harris the video game.
The video game will have sold to Harris.

(D)

The video game will have been sold to Harris.

Active : We should choose a monitor quickly.

Passive : ____________
(A)
(B)

A monitor should be chose quickly

A monitor should be quickly chosen.

(C)

A monitor should choose quickly.

(D)

A monitor should quickly chosen.

Answers exercise 5
1A

2D

3D

4B

5C

6B

7A

8C

9D

10B

Exercise 6
Change the following sentences into the passive voice.
1.

Add bacteria to milk to make yoghurt.

2.

The farmers split the cacao pods open and scoop out the cacao beans.

3.

The machine stretches and twists the wires.

4.

The workers dry the fish in the sun.

5.

Years ago, people churned butter by hand.

6.

The roller mill crushed the grains.

7.

The machine sealed the bottle with a bottle cap.

8.

The robot is fixing the tyres to the body of the car.

9.

The technique turns acetylsalicyclic acid into powder form.

10.

The machine cuts the adhesive bandage into the correct sizes.

Answers exercise 6
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

Bacteria is added to milk to make yoghurt.

The cacao pods are split open and the cacao beans are scooped out.
The wires are stretched and twisted.
The fish are dried in the sun.
Butter was churned by hand years ago.
The grains were crushed by the roller mill.
The bottle was sealed with a bottle cap.
The tyres are being fixed to the body of the car.
Acetysalicylic acid is turned into powder form.
The adhesive bandage is cut into the correct sizes.

Exercise 7

Change the Voices of the Verbs in the following Sentences.

1.

Who did the job?

2.

Can you break the door ?

3.

Will she sing a song ?

4.

Is he speaking English ?

5.

Are you eating a banana ?

6.

Why are you washing the car ?

7.

When will he give the money ?

8.

Where will he meet you ?

9.

How do you make a cake ?

10.

Whom did you tell the story?

11.

He was struck by lightning.

Answers exercise 7
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.

By whom was the job done ?

Can the door be broken by you ?
Will a song be sung by her ?
Is English being spoken by him ?
Is a banana being eaten by you ?
Why is the car being washed by you ?
When will the money be given by him ?
Where will you be met by him ?
How is a cake made by you ?
To whom was the story told by you ?
Lightning struck him.

Exercise 8

Change the Voices of the Verbs in the following Sentences :

1.

I was quite shocked by the language that he used.

2.

We were both filled with horror by the sight of that event.

3.

I was much hurt by is voice and manner.

4.

Should I be found at home by him he would not be received by me.

5.

They were welcomed back by the city on their return.

6.

He was punished by the master for speaking in class.

7.

Many objections were raised by us to the plan that was proposed by him.

8.

Will he not be persuaded to work harder by a sense of duty ?

9.

I was called upon by the meeting to give my reasons.

10.

His return was not expected by us.

We did not expect his return.

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.

Answers exercise 8
The language that he used quite shocked me.
The sight of that event filled us both with horror.
His voice and manner hurt me much.
Should he find me at home, I would not receive him.
The city welcomed them back on their return.

6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

The master punished him for speaking in class.

We raised many objections to the plan that he proposed.
Will not a sense of duty persuade him to work harder ?
The meeting called upon me to give my reasons.
We did not expect his return.

Exercise 9

Change the following into the Passive Voice.

1.

He is catching fish.

2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.

She was cooking vegetables.

They are drinking water.
We have seen the accident.
They buy fish every day.
She gave us the news.
He wrote me a letter.
She made us some tea.
Do you know the answer ?
Can you speak Japanese ?
I see her every day ?
Ask him to leave.
Do this at once.
Bring it to me this instant.
I have nothing say.

Answers exercise 9
1.
2.

Fish is being caught by him.

Vegetables are being cooked by her.

3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
11.
12.
13.
14.
15.

Water is being drunk by them.

The accident has been seen by us.
Fish is bought by them every day.
The news was given us by her.
A letter was written me by him.
Some tea was made us by her.
Is the answer known by you ?
Can Japanese be spoken by you ?
She is seen by me every day.
Let him be asked to leave.
Let his be done at once.
Let it be bought to me this instant.
Nothing is had by me to say. OR Nothing to say is had by me.

Exercise 10

Complete the sentences using one of these verbs in the correct form

caused
damage
1.

hold
include

Many accidents ______ by dangerous driving.

invite
make

overtake
show

translate
write

2.

Cheese ______ from milk.

3.

The roof of the building ______ in a storm a few days ago.

4.

There's no need to leave a tip. Service ______ in the bill.

5.

You ______ to the wedding. Why didn't you go ?

6.

A cinema is a place where films ______.

7.

In the United States, elections for President ______ every four years.

8.

Originally the book ______ in Spanish and a few years ago it ______ into English.

9.

We were driving along quite fast but we ______ by lots of other cars.

Answers
1.

Many accidents are caused by dangerous driving.

2.

Cheese is made from milk.

3.

The roof of the building was damaged in a storm a few days ago.

4.

There's no need to leave a tip. Service is included in the bill.

5.

You were invited to the wedding. Why didn't you go ?

6.

A cinema is a place where films are shown.

7.

In the United States, elections for President are held every four years.

8.

Originally the book was written in Spanish and a few years ago it was translated into English.

9.

We were driving along quite fast but we were overtaken by lots of other cars.

Exercise 11
Put the verb into the correct form, present simple or past simple, active or passive.
1.

It's a big factory. Five hundred people ______ ( employ ) there.

2.

Water ______ ( cover ) most of the Earth's surface.

3.

Most of the Earth's surface ______ ( cover ) by water.

4.

The park gates ______ ( lock ) at 6.30 p.m. every evening.

5.

The letter ______ ( post ) a week ago and it ______ ( arrive ) yesterday.

6.

The boat ______ ( sink ) quickly but fortunately everybody ______ ( rescue ).

7.

Ron's parents ______ ( die ) when he was very young. He and his sister ______ ( bring ) up by
their grandparents.

8.

I was born in London but I ______ ( grow ) up in the north of England.

9.

While I was on holiday, my camera ______ ( steal ) from my hotel room.

10.

While I was on holiday, my camera ______ ( disappear ) from my hotel room.

11.

Why ______ ( Sue/resign ) from her job ? Didn't she enjoy it ?

12.

Why ______ ( Bill/sack ) from his job ? What did he do wrong ?

13.

The company is not independent. It ______ ( own ) by a much larger company.

14.

I saw an accident last night. Somebody ______ ( call ) an ambulance but nobody _____( injure ) so the ambulance ______ ( not/need ).

15.

Where ______ ( these photographs/take ) ? In London ? ______ ( you/take ) them ?

Answers exercise 11
1.

It's a big factory. Five hundred people are employed there.

2.

Water covers most of the Earth's surface.

3.

Most of the Earth's surface is covered by water.

4.

The park gates are locked at 6.30 p.m. every evening.

5.

The letter was posted a week ago and it arrived yesterday.

6.

The boat sank quickly but fortunately everybody was rescued.

7.

Ron's parents died when he was very young. He and his sister were brought up by their
grandparents.

8.

I was born in London but I grew up in the north of England.

9.

While I was on holiday, my camera was stolen from my hotel room.

10.

While I was on holiday, my camera disappeared from my hotel room.

11.

Why did Sue resign from her job ? Didn't she enjoy it ?

12.

Why was Bill sacked from his job ? What did he do wrong ?

13.

The company is not independent. It is owned by a much larger company.

14.

I saw an accident last night. Somebody called an ambulance but nobody was injured so the
ambulance wasn't needed.

15.

Where were these photographs taken ? In London ? Did you take them ?

Exercise 12
Complete these sentences with one of the following verbs ( in the correct form )

1.

carry

do

repair spend

cause

make send wake up

The situation is serious. Something must ______ before it's too late.

2.

I haven't received the letter. It might ______ to the wrong address.

3.

A decision will not ______ until the next meeting.

4.

I told the hotel receptionist that I wanted to ______ at 6.30 the next morning.

5.

Do you think that less money should ______ on armaments ?

6.

This road is in very bad condition. It should ______ a long time ago.

7.

The injured man couldn't walk and had to ______.

8.

It's not certain how the fire started but it might ______ by an electrical fault.

Answers exercise 12
1.

The situation is serious. Something must be done before it's too late.

2.

I haven't received the letter. It might have been sent to the wrong address.

3.

A decision will not be made until the next meeting.

4.

I told the hotel receptionist that I wanted to be woken up at 6.30 the next morning.

5.

Do you think that less money should be spent on armaments?

6.

This road is in very bad condition. It should have been repaired a long time ago.

7.

The injured man couldn't walk and had to be carried.

8.

It's not certain how the fire started but it might have been caused by an electrical fault.

Exercise 13
Rewrite these sentences in passive sentences without the word 'somebody' or 'they'.

1.

Somebody has cleaned the room.

2.

They have postponed the concert.

3.

Somebody is using the computer at the moment.

4.

I didn't realize that somebody was recording our conversation.

5.

When we got to the stadium we found that they had canceled the game.

6.

They are building a new ring road round the city.

7.

They have built a new hospital near the airport.

Answers exercise 13
1.

The room has been cleaned.

2.

The concert has been postponed.

3.

The computer is being used at the moment.

4.

I didn't realize that our conversation was being recorded.

5.

When we got to the stadium we found that the game had been canceled.

6.

A new ring road is being built round the city

7.

A new hospital has been built near the airport.

Exercise 14
Make sentences from the words in brackets. Some of the verbs are either active or passive.
1.

There's somebody behind us. ( I think / we / follow )

2.

This room looks different. ( you / paint ? )

3.

My car has disappeared. ( it / steal ! )

4.

My umbrella has disappeared. ( somebody / take )

5.

Tom gets a higher salary now. ( he / promote )

6.

Ann can't use her office at the moment. ( it / redecorate )

7.

The photocopier broke down yesterday, but now it's OK. ( it /work / again ; it / repair )

8.

The police have found the people they were looking for. ( two people / arrest / last
night )

9.

A tree was lying across the road. ( it /blow down / by the storm )

10.

The man next door disappeared six months ago. ( nobody / see / since then )

11.

I was mugged on my way home a few nights ago. ( you / ever / mug ?)

Answers exercise 14
1.

I think we're being followed.

2.

Have you painted it?

3.

It has been stolen!

4.

Somebody has taken it.

5.

He has been promoted.

6.

It is being redecorated.

7.

It is working again ... It has been repaired.

8.

Two people were arrested last night.

9.

It had been blown down by the storm.

10.

Nobody has seen him since then.

11.

Have you ever been mugged ?

Exercise 15
Put the verb into the most suitable passive form.
1.

There's somebody behind us. I think we ______ ( follow ).

2.

A mystery is something that ______ ( can't/explain ).

3.

We didn't play football yesterday. The match ______ ( cancel ).

4.

The television ______ ( repair ). It's working again now.

5.

The church tower ______ ( restore ). The work is almost finished.

6.

'How old is the tower ?' 'It ______ ( believe ) to be over 600 years old.'

7.

If I didn't do my job properly, I ______ ( would/sack ).

8.
A : I left some papers on the desk last night and I can't find them now.
B : They ______ ( might/throw ) away.
9.

I learnt to swim when I was very young. I ______ ( teach ) by my mother.

10.

After ______ ( arrest ), I was taken tot he police station.

11.

' ______ ( you/ever/arrest ) ?' 'No, never.'

12.

Two people ______ ( report ) to ______ ( injure ) in an explosion at a factory in Birmingham early this morning.

Answers exercise 15
1.

are being followed

2.

can't be explained

3.

was canceled

4.

has been repaired

5.

is being restored

6.

is believed

7.

would be sacked

8.

might have been thrown

9.

was taught

10.

being arrested

11.

Have you ever been arrested

12.

are reported ... have been injured

Exercise 16
Put the verb into the correct form, active or passive
1.

This house is quite old. It ______ ( build ) over 100 years ago.

2.

My grandfather was a builder. He ______ ( build ) this house many years ago.

3.

'Is your car still for sale ?' 'No, I ______ ( sell ) it.'

4.

'Is the house at the end of the street still for sale ?' 'No, it ______ ( sell ).'

5.

Sometimes mistakes ______ ( make ). It's inevitable.

6.

I wouldn't leave your car unlocked. It ______ ( might/steal ).

7.

My bag has disappeared. It ______ ( must/steal ).

8.

I can't find my hat. Somebody ______ ( must/take ) it by mistake.

9.

It's a serious problem. I don't know how it ______ ( can/solve ).

10.

We didn't leave early enough. We ______ ( should/leave ) earlier.

11.

Every time I travel by plane, my flight ______ ( delay ).

12.

A new bridge ______ ( build ) across the river. Work started last year and the bridge ______
( expect ) to open next year.

Answers exercise 16

1.

was built

2.

built

3.

have sold

4.

has been sold

5.

are made

6.

might be stolen

7.

must have been stolen

8.

must have taken

9.

can be solved

10.

should have left

11.

is delayed

12.

is being built ... is expected

Exercise 17
Choose the best options
1.

2.

We ______ by a loud noise during the night.

(A)

woke up

(B)

are woken up

(C)

were woken up

(D)

were waking up

There's somebody walking behind us. I think ______.

(A)

we are following

(B)

we are being followed

3.

4.

5.

6.

(C)

we are followed

(D)

we are being following

'Where ______ ?' 'In London.'

(A)

were you born

(B)

are you born

(C)

have you been born

(D)

did you born

The train ______ arrive at 11.30 but it was an hour late.

(A)

supposed to

(B)

is supposed to

(C)

was supposed to

(D)

were supposed to

Where ______ ? Which hairdresser did you go to ?

(A)

did you cut your hair

(B)

have you cut your hair

(C)

did you have cut your hair

(D)

did you have your hair cut

Active : They scattered the books carelessly on the floor.

Passive : ____________________________________
(A)

The books were scattered on the floor

(B)

The books were scattered on the floor carelessly.

(C)

The books were carelessly scattered on the floor.

(D)

The books had been carelessly scattered on the floor.

Answers Exercise 17
1C

2B

3A

4C

5D

6C

Exercise 18
Complete the definitions. Put in an active or passive participle of these verbs.
(A) add

(F) smuggle

(B) arrive

(G) take

(C) block

(H) tell

(D) own

(I) watch

(E) play

(J) wear

1.

Cricket is a game ______ in English-speaking countries.

2.

A wrist watch is a watch ______ on your wrist.

3.

A latecomer is a person ______ late.

4.

An instruction is a statement ______ you what to do.

5.

A spectator is someone ______ a game or a play.

6.

An extension is a new part ______ to a building.

7.

An obstacle is something ______ your way.

8.

Contraband is something _______ into a country.

9.

A competitor is someone ______ part in a competition.

10.

Your property is everything ______ by you.

Answers exercise 18
1.

Cricket is a game played in English-speaking countries.

2.

A wrist watch is a watch worn on your wrist.

3.

A latecomer is a person arriving late.

4.

An instruction is a statement telling you what to do.

5.

A spectator is someone watching a game or a play.

6.

An extension is a new part added to a building.

7.

An obstacle is something blocking your way.

8.

Contraband is something smuggled into a country.

9.

A competitor is someone taking part in a competition.

10.

Your property is everything owned by you.

Exercise 19
Rewrite these sentences in the passive voice.
Example : He kept me waiting.
I was kept waiting.
1.

I have sold my old books.

2.

Someone has broken my ruler.

3.

Anybody can borrow books from this library.

4.

They sell books here.

5.

She told me to come early.

6.

People will soon forget that incident.

7.

The company will provide more buses.

8.

People will hate you.

9.

Somebody has bought that house.

10.

They opened the supermarket last week.

Answers exercise 19
1.

My old books have been sold.

2.

My ruler has been broken.

3.

Books can be borrowed from this library.

4.

Books are sold here.

5.

I was told to come early.

6.

That incident will be forgotten soon.

7.

More buses will be provided.

8.

You will be hated.

9.

That house has been bought.

10.

The supermarket was opened last week.

Exercise 20
2.

He ______ by his teacher.

(A)

were praised

(B)

praised

(C)

was praised

(D)

been praised

2.

We ______ for the mistake.

(A)
(B)

blamed
has been blamed

(C)

blames

(D)

shall be blamed

3.
(A)

She ______ by her teacher to buy that book.

was asked

(B)

were asked

(C)

being asked

(D)
4.
(A)
(B)

have been
The stadium ______.
crowded
was crowded

(C)

were crowded

(D)

is crowding

5.
(A)
(B)

Cheese ______ from milk.

made
were made

(C)

is made

(D)

is making

6.
(A)
(B)

That letter ______ by my father.

written
is writing

(C)

wrote

(D)

was written

7.

David ______ a new bicycle next week.

(A)

will be given

(B)

was given

(C)

have been given

(D)

was giving

8.

Active : Shaun painted his house.

Passive : His house ______ by Shaun.

(A)

painted

(B)

was paint

(C)

was painted

(D)

were painted

9.

Active : They made him king.

Passive : He ______ king.

(A)

was made

(B)

were made

(C)

was making

(D)

has been made

10.

Active : The driver will take you to the station.

Passive : You ______ to the station by the driver.

(A)

were taken

(B)

taken

(C)

have been taken

(D)

will be taken

Answers exercise 20
1C

2D

3A

4B

5C

6D

7A

8C

9A

10D

Exercise 21
1.
Active : The fire has destroyed a lot of property.
Passive : A lot of property ______ by the fire.

(A)
(B)

have been destroyed

destroyed
(C)

has been destroyed

(D)
2.

will be destroyed

The boy ______ by the noise.

(A)

is frightening

(B)
was frightened

3.

(C)

frightened

(D)

have been frightened

The animals ______ when I visited the zoo yesterday.

(A)

(B)

was being fed

is fed
(C)

are being fed

(D)
were being fed

4.

The vegetables ______ before they are cooked.

(A)

(B)

is washed

be washed
(C)

are washed

(D)
5.

was washed

Active : They found him guilty of murder.

Passive : He ______ guilty of murder.

(A)

found

(B)
was found
(C)

has been found

(D)

is found

6.

This road ______ by the Town Council.

(A)

is being repaired

(B)

7.

repaired
(C)

is repairing

(D)

repairs

All the books ______ by the students

(A)

(B)

to be bought

bought
(C)

has been bought

(D)
have been bought

8.

He ______ for cheating the villagers.

(A)

being jailed

(B)

were jailed

(C)
should be jailed

(D)
9.

jailed

The children ______ for being late.

(A)

punished

(B)
are being punished

(C)

were punishing

(D)

was being punished

10.

This story ______ next month.

(A)

will be published

(B)

will publish

(C)

published

(D)

would publish

Answers exercise 21

1C

2B

3D

4C

5B

6A

7D

8C

9B

10A

Exercise 22
Change the following sentences into the passive voice.
Example :
The marine police rescued three fishermen yesterday.
Three fishermen were rescued by the marine police yesterday.
1.

Someone had vandalised the public telephone booth.

2.

The maid washes the car once a week.

3.

Hindus celebrate Deepavali to commemorate the victory of goodness over evil.

4.

The relevant authority is looking into the matter now.

5.

Devotees will release pigeons on Wesak Day.

6.

Some four body-guards accompany the recluse whenever he goes traveling.

7.

Someone has taken the keys without permission.

8.

The public blamed the department for the shortage of sugar.

Answers exercise 22
1.

The public telephone booth had been vandalised.

2.

The car is washed by the maid once a week.

3.

Deepavali is celebrated by Hindus to commemorate the victory of goodness over evil.

4.

The matter is being looked into by the relevant authority now.

5.

Pigeons will be released by devotees on Wesak Day.

6.

The recluse is accompanied by some four body-guards whenever he goes traveling.

7.

The keys have been taken without permission.

8.

The department was blamed for the shortage of sugar

Exercise 23
Change the following sentences into the passive voice.
Example :
The manager is signing the cheques.
The cheques are being signed by the manager.
1.

The maid is sweeping the broken pieces of glass.

2.

The police have solved most of the crimes this year.

3.

Only a few of us attended the spiritual talk.

4.

The gardener sweeps and mops the hall once a week.

5.

Mrs Lim is boiling the sweet potatoes at the moment.

6.

The authorities will launch a cleanliness campaign in the park.

7.

We will work out the details of the agreement within a week.

8.

No one responded to the call to donate blood.

9.

The good Samaritan helped the blind man cross the road.

10.

The salesman is driving Danny's new car out of the garage.

Answers exercise 23
1.

The broken pieces of glass are being swept by the maid.

2.

Most of the crimes this year have been solved by the police.

3.

The spiritual talk was attended by only a few of us.

4.

The hall is swept and mopped by the gardener once a week.

5.

The sweet potatoes are being boiled by Mrs Lim at the moment.

6.

A cleanliness campaign will be launched by the authorities in the park.

7.

The details of the agreement will be worked out by us within a week.

8.

The call to donate blood was not responded to by anyone.

9.

The blind man was helped by the good Samaritan to cross the road.

10.

Danny's new car is being driven out of the garage by the salesman.

Exercise 24
Change the Voices of the Verbs in the following Sentences :
Example :
He made a loud noise. (Active)
A loud noise was made by him. (Passive)
A book is being read by him. (Passive)
He is reading a book. (Active)

1.

Who did the job ?

2.

Can you break the door ?

3.

Will she sing a song ?

4.

Is he speaking English ?

5.

Are you eating a banana ?

6.

Why are you washing the car ?

7.

When will he give the money ?

8.

Where will he met you ?

9.

How do you make a cake ?

10.

Whom did you tell the story ?

11.

He was struck by lightning.

12.

I was quite shocked by the language that he used.

13.

We were both filled with horror by the sight of that event.

14.

I was much hurt by his voice and manner.

15.

Should I be found t home by him, he would not be received by me.

16.

They were welcomed back by he city on their return.

17.

He was punished by the master for speaking in class.

18.

Many objections were raised by us to the plan that was proposed by him.

19.

Will he not be persuaded to work harder by a sense of duty ?

20.

I was called upon by the meeting to give my reasons.

21.

He was known by me by his voice, when I was spoken to by him in the dark.

22.

His return was not expected by us.

Answers exercise 24
1.

By whom was the job done ?

2.

Can the door be broken by you ?

3.

Will a song be sung by her ?

4.

Is English being spoken by him ?

5.

Is a banana being eaten by you ?

6.

Why is the car being washed by you ?

7.

When will the money be given by him ?

8.

Where will you be met by him ?

9.

How is a cake made by you ?

10.

To whom was the story told by you ?

11.

Lightning struck him.

12.

The language that he used quite shocked me.

13.

The sight of that event filled us both with horror.

14.

His voice and manner hurt me much.

15.

Should he find me at home, I would not receive him.

16.

The city welcomed them back on their return.

17.

The master punished him for speaking in class.

18.

We raised many objections to the plan that he proposed.

19.

Will not a sense of duty persuade him to work harder ?

20.

The meeting called upon me to give my reasons.

21.

I knew him by his voice when he spoke to me in the dark.

22.

we did not expect him return.

Exercise 25
Change the Voices of the Verbs in the following Sentences :

Example :
He stole a pen. (Active)
A pen was stolen by him. (Passive)

He was eating an apple. (Active)

An apple was being eaten by him. (Passive)

1.

He is catching fish.

2.

She was cooking vegetables.

3.

They are drinking water.

4.

We have seen the accident.

5.

They buy fish every day.

6.

She gave us the news.

7.

He wrote me a letter.

8.

She made us some tea.

9.

Do you know the answer ?

10.

Can you speak Japanese ?

11.

I see her every day ?

12.

Ask him to leave.

13.

Do this at once.

14.

Bring it to me this instant.

15.

I have nothing to say.

Answers exercise 25
1.

Fish is being caught by him.

2.

Vegetables are being cooked by her.

3.

Water is being drunk by them.

4.

The accident has been seen by us.

5.

Fish is bought by them every day.

6.

the news was given us by her.

7.

A letter was written me by him.

8.

Some tea was made us by her.

9.

Is the answer known by you ?

10.

Can Japanese by spoken by you ?

11.

She is seen by me every day.

12.

Let him be asked to leave.

13.

Let this be done at once.

14.

Let it be bought to me this instant.

15.

Nothing is had by me to say. OR, Nothing to say is had by me.

Exercise 26
Rewrite the following sentences, in the Passive Voice. mention the performer only when it is necessary
Example:
(a)

They asked him to give a short speech.

He was asked to give a short speech.

(b)

Alexander Fleming discovered penicillin.

Penicillin was discovered by Alexander Fleming.

1.

You should check the figures carefully.

2.

Somebody found a wallet and some important documents near the bus stop.

3.

We use the refrigerator to keep vegetables and fruit cool and fresh.

4.

Somebody broke into our house while we were away for the weekend.

5.

No one has ever beaten him in archery or javelin-throwing.

6.

Please read the instructions that they give on the first sheet of paper.

7.

Some people are requesting that the film star sign some autographs right now.

8.

You are to take these pills three times a day, do you understand that ?

9.

The police chief himself praised the main for catching the thief.

10.

An Italian named Christopher Columbus, who was trying to find a way to the East, discovered America.

11.

They will give you the answer sheet and you are to write your name at the top of this sheet.

12.

We will have to dust all the furniture before we sweep the house.

13.

They had certainly locked the door when they left the house this morning.

14.

They should not have built the village on the river-bank. When the river floods, it will sweep the village away.

15.

Lightning struck the huge tree and sent it toppling down on the house.

16.

They rebuilt their house, and their neighbors helped them out with gifts of food, clothes and furniture.

17.

The swallows have made the place dirty. See that someone removes their nests and cleans up the place.

18.

They said that the girl was missing, so we organized a search party. We found her lying unconscious in a deep ditch and brought her home.

Answers exercise 26
1.

The figures should be checked carefully.

2.

A wallet and some important documents were found near the bus stop.

3.

The refrigerator is used to keep vegetables and fruit cool and fresh.

4.

Our house was broken into while we were away for the weekend.

5.

He has never been beaten in archery or javelin-throwing.

6.

The instructions that are given on the first sheet of paper should be read.

7.

The film star is being requested to sign some autographs right now.

8.

These pills are to be taken three times a day, is it understood ?

9.

The man was praised by the police chief himself for catching the thief.

10.

America was discovered by an Italian named Christopher Columbus, who had been trying to find a way to the East.

11.

You will be given the answer sheet and your name is to be written at the top of this sheet.

12.

All the furniture will have to be dusted before the house is swept.

13.

The door had certainly been locked when they left the house this morning.

14.

The village should not have been built on the river-bank When the river floods, the village will be swept away.

15.

The huge tree was struck by lightning and was sent toppling down on the house.

16.

Their house was rebuilt and they were helped out with gifts of food, clothes and furniture by their neighbors.

17.

The place has been made dirty by the swallows. See that their nests are removed and the place is cleaned up.

18.

The girl was said to be missing, so a search party was organized by us. She was found lying unconscious in a deep ditch and was brought home.

Exercise 27
Change these sentences from the Active to the Passive Voice.
They said that he became insane after the death of his wife.
He was said to have become insane after the death of his wife.
1.

I am sure they will take care of the child properly.

2.

Someone is conducting research into the private life of that great sculptor.

3.

People consider him to be the richest man in the country.

4.

They say that these herbs are good for rheumatism.

5.

We think that she is the most understanding and patient teacher in the school.

6.

We shall have to deal with these problems one at a time.

7.

They took down the old notice, but they put up another one in its place.

8.

The teacher ordered Tom out of the classroom because he was making too much noise.

9.

We understand that his invention is of the greatest importance and secrecy.

10.

The family left the hall lights on in case they decided to come back that night.

11.

The men pushed the car into the river so that no one would discover it.

12.

Someone locked the detective in the room while he was absorbed in examining something.

13.

They thought that the boy was joking when he mentioned his part in the tragedy.

14.

People believe that witches from nearby villages met in the woods when the moon was full.

15.

They would destroy anyone or anything that stood in their path.

16.

You ought to warn him that what he is doing is dangerous and that it might hurt someone.

17.

After they had repaired it and figured out the cost, they sent him the bill.

18.

The neighbors say that he married his wife while he was abroad and that he brought her here only after five years.

Answers exercise 27
1.

The child will be taken care of properly.

2.

Research is being conducted into the private life of that great sculptor.

3.

He is considered to be the richest man in the country.

4.

These herbs are said to be good for rheumatism.

5.

She is thought to be the most understanding and patient teacher in the school.

6.

These problems shall have to be dealt with one at a time.

7.

The old notice was taken down and another one was put up in its place.

8.

Tom was ordered out of the classroom because he was making too much noise.

9.

It is understood that his invention is of the greatest importance and secrecy.

10.

The hall lights were left on in case they decided to come back that night.

11.

The car was pushed into the river so that it would not be discovered.

12.

The detective was locked in the room while he was absorbed in examining something.

13.

The boy was thought to be joking when he mentioned his part in the tragedy.

14.

Witches from nearby villages were believed to have met in the woods when the moon was full.

15.

Anyone or anything that stood in their path would be destroyed.

16.

He ought to be warned that what he is doing is dangerous and that someone might be hurt.

17.

After it had been repaired and the cost figured out, he was sent the bill.

18.

It is said that he married his wife while he was abroad and that she was brought here only after five years.

Exercise 28
Change these sentences from the Active to the Passive Voice.

They will keep it a secret if you pay them the money.

It will be kept a secret if they are paid the money.

1.

While they were showing her round the house, I went out into the garden.

2.

They ought to treat their parents with more respect than that !

3.

When we were halfway there, we suddenly realized that we had left Emily behind.

4.

You are to take this medicine twice daily, and you are to rub this ointment on your arm every night.

5.

The villagers considered him to be an evil man, and so everyone avoided him.

6.

The director himself praised Mr Baker for his thirty years of valuable service tot he company.

7.

The little boys who were playing in the garden this morning have messed up all my washing.

8.

A poisonous type of spider called the 'back widow' makes this type of web.

9.

His work has benefited the people a lot, yet they will forget him within a few years.

10.

Take note that you are to return all library books by next Monday.

11.

An unknown poet wrote these words, but someone else set them to music.

12.

Everyone blamed that girl for bringing bad luck tot he village, and they chased her out of the district.

13.

The little boy's courage and determination impressed the lady very much.

14.

They had made the appointment before someone else invited them for dinner.

15.

The people in his hometown regarded him as a hero and welcomed him back with open arms.

Answers
1.

While she was being shown round the house, I went out into the garden.

2.

Their parents ought to be treated with more respect than that.

3.

When we were halfway there, it was suddenly realized that Emily had been left behind.

4.

This medicine is to be taken twice daily, and this ointment is to be rubbed on your arm every night.

5.

He was considered to be an evil man, and so was avoided.

6.

Mr Baker was praised for his thirty years of valuable service to the company by the director himself.

7.

All my washing has been messed up by the little boys who were playing in the garden this morning.

8.

This type of web is made by a poisonous type of spider called the 'black widow'.

9.

The people have benefited a lot from his work, yet he will be forgotten within a few years.

10.

It is to be noted that all library books are to be returned by next Monday.

11.

These words were written by an unknown poet, but were set to music by someone else.

12.

She was blamed for bringing bad luck tot he village and was chased out of the district.

13.

The lady was impressed very much by the little boy's courage and determination.

14.

An appointment had been made before they were invited for dinner.

15.

He was regarded as a hero by the people in his hometown.

Put the following sentences into the Passive Voice. Pay attention to the tenses.

They had locked the gates for the night.

The gates had been locked for the night.

1.

Someone stole some top-secret documents from the Secretariat.

2.

No one has used the building for the last fifty years.

3.

People will forget this incident in a few years' time.

4.

No one has ever taken him at his word.

5.

You must not take the joke too seriously.

6.

She hurt her leg in the match.

7.

They fought a bitter battle here years ago.

8.

He gave me ninety cents' change a the shop.

9.

Someone told them to go away.

10.

Someone should hang the bunting up before the carnival starts.

11.

Somebody gave him a box of chocolates for his birthday.

12.

They took the prisoners away in a van.

13.

everyone must obey the traffic regulations.

14.

They asked her to finish the work.

15.

People in all parts of the world play football.

16.

Nobody will reveal the truth about the situation.

17.

The teacher has promised her a prize if she works hard.

18.

He had not touched the jewels.

19.

Will they round up the cattle ?

20.

Who can repair this broken chair ?

21.

They will laugh at you for asking such a question.

22.

His mother told him a bedtime story.

23.

What ought they to do about this affair ?

24.

Everyone will think that you are foolish.

25.

Will somebody show the visitors round the garden ?

Answers
1.

Some top-secret documents have been stolen from the Secretariat.

2.

The building has not been used for the last fifty years.

3.

In a few years' time this incident will be forgotten.

4.

He has never been taken at his word.

5.

The joke must not be taken too seriously.

6.

Her leg was hurt in the match.

7.

Years ago a bitter battle was fought here.

8.

At the shop I was given ninety cents' change.

9.

They were told to go away.

10.

The bunting should be hung up before the carnival starts.

11.

He was given a box of chocolates for his birthday.

12.

The prisoners were taken away in a van.

13.

The traffic regulations must be obeyed.

14.

She was asked to finish the work.

15.

Football is played in all parts of the world.

16.

The truth about the situation will not be revealed.

17.

She has been promised a prize if she works hard.

18.

The jewels had not been touched.

19.

Will the cattle be rounded up ?

20.

By whom can this broken chair be repaired ?

21.

You will be laughed at for asking such a question.

22.

He was told a bedtime story.

23.

What ought to be done about this affair ?

24.

You will be thought foolish.

25.

Will the visitors be shown round the garden ?

Put the following sentences into the Passive Voice. Mention the agent only when necessary.

Did the headmaster set the questions ?

Were the questions set by the headmaster ?

1.

A tourist guide showed us round the picturesque countryside.

2.

A lorry ran over the dog.

3.

Someone switched off the lights.

4.

The author will write the book at the end of the year.

5.

Did someone find a solution to the problem ?

6.

The police gave the informer fifty dollars' reward.

7.

The blind man has made the chair very well.

8.

Un unseen hand closed the window.

9.

Beethoven composed this lovely piece of music.

10.

What have people done about this ?

11.

What were the men loading on to the lorry ?

12.

They still deny women the right to vote in some countries.

13.

A good friend told me the news this morning.

14.

Did the uproar frighten you ?

15.

A gigantic wave overturned the frail boat.

16.

They shan't treat me as if I were a child !

17.

William Blake wrote many outstanding poems.

18.

Somebody has locked the chest, and I can't open it ( two passives )

19.

Didn't they tell you to be here by three o'clock ?

20.

Lightning knocked a tree down last night.

21.

They tell me that somebody stole your pen. ( two passives )

22.

The judge gave the thief a fair trial and sent him to prison for two years. ( two passives )

23.

Her misery affected me deeply.

24.

Someone promised me a watch if I obtained good results in the examination.

25.

I've used this pen only once since the day that I had it repaired. ( two passives )

Answers
1.

We were shown round the picturesque countryside by a tourist guide.

2.

The dog was run over by a lorry.

3.

The lights were switched off.

4.

The book will be written by the author at the end of the year.

5.

Was a solution to the problem found ?

6.

The informer was given fifty dollars' reward by the police.

7.

The chair has been made very well by the blind man.

8.

The window was closed by an unseen hand.

9.

This lovely piece of music was composed by Beethoven.

10.

What has been done about this ?

11.

What was being loaded on to the lorry ?

12.

In some countries women are still denied the right to vote.

13.

I was told the news this morning by a good friend.

14.

Were you frightened by the uproar ?

15.

The frail boat was overturned by a gigantic wave.

16.

I won't be treated as if I were a child !

17.

Many outstanding poems were written by William Blake.

18.

The chest has been locked, and it can't be opened.

19.

Weren't you told to be here by three o'clock ?

20.

A tree was knocked down by lightning last night.

21.

I am told that your pen was stolen.

22.

The thief was given a fair trial by the judge and was sent to prison for two years.

23.

I was deeply affected by her misery.

24.

I was promised a watch if I obtained good results in the examination.

25.

This pen has been used only once since the day that it was repaired.

Put the following sentences into the Passive Voice. Pay attention to the tenses

They say that the pen is mightier than the sword.

The pen is said to be mightier than the sword.

1.

People generally believe that money brings happiness.

2.

No one expects you to do it alone.

3.

They say that a cat has nine lives.

4.

They claimed that they were the winners.

5.

We consider that country the most developed in Asia.

6.

They fear that the boats are lost at sea.

7.

Somebody saw her climb through the window.

8.

They understand that bribery is also a crime.

9.

They consider him the best captain that they ever had.

10.

People no longer say that the moon is unconquerable.

11.

He considered the other method a better one.

12.

The ignorant natives believed that the white men had come from the moon.

13.

Someone heard him threatening the schoolboy.

14.

They think that the wrong chemical was added.

15.

People knew that she was a dedicated social worker.

16.

They said that he was the most generous man in the village.

17.

People say that Shakespeare is the greatest poet of all time.

18.

They thought him to be a brilliant scientist.

19.

They believe her to be telling the truth.

20.

She assumed that he had eaten his dinner.

21.

They told him that he must be there at midnight.

22.

They understood that the job offered to him was only temporary.

23.

Someone found out that it was not genuine.

24.

People say that a bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

25.

They far that the volcano will erupt soon.

Answers
1.

Money is generally believed to bring happiness.

2.

You are not expected to do it alone.

3.

A cat is said to have nine lives.

4.

They were claimed to be the winners.

5.

That country is considered to be the most developed in Asia.

6.

The boats are feared to be lost at sea.

7.

She was seen to climb through the window.

8.

Bribery is also understood to be a crime.

9.

He is considered to be the best captain that they ever had.

10.

The moon is no longer said to be unconquerable.

11.

The other method was considered to be the better one.

12.

The white men were believed to have come from the moon by the ignorant natives.

13.

He was heard to be threatening the schoolboy.

14.

The wrong chemical is thought to have been added.

15.

She was known to be a dedicated social worker.

16.

He was said to be the most generous man in the village.

17.

Shakespeare is said to be the greatest poet of all time.

18.

He was thought to be a brilliant scientist.

19.

She is believed to be telling the truth.

20.

He was assumed to have eaten his dinner.

21.

He was told to be there at midnight.

22.

The job offered to him was understood to be only temporary.

23.

It was found out to be not genuine.

24.

A bird in the hand is said to be worth two in the bush.

25.

The volcano is feared to erupt soon.

Put the following sentences into the Passive Voice. Pay attention to the tenses.

They say that there are no more dinosaurs left.

It is said that there are no more dinosaurs left.
They say that he is the culprit.
He is said to be the culprit.

1.

They believe that there are no sea-serpents in Loch Ness.

2.

They assume that the answer is wrong.

3.

People fear that there will be a famine soon.

4.

She thinks that there have been more accidents this year than last year.

5.

he claims that his country is neutral.

6.

They say that there is a way to make artificial grass.

7.

She said that she had nothing left to live for.

8.

They declared her the winner of the competition.

9.

They say that human beings are able to survive on food capsules.

10.

Somebody saw him committing the crime.

11.

He prophesies that here will be a Third World War.

12.

They no longer think that women must stay at home.

13.

They believe that the house is haunted.

14.

we consider this dispute a matter of personal prejudice.

15.

They know that he is responsible for causing all the trouble.

16.

They assumed that there were no hitches in their plan.

17.

Some people believe that there is an after-world.

18.

They fear that there are loopholes in the plan.

19.

Some one passed on the command to the troops.

20.

They claim that there is a nuclear center on the remote island.

21.

They say that blood is always thicker than water.

22.

People know that he is a wanted man.

23.

They hope that men will live happily together.

24.

They believe that there are many horizons man can explore.

25.

They say that there is great potential wealth in the oceans.

Answers
1.

It is believed that there are no sea-serpents n Loch Ness.

2.

The answer is assumed to be wrong.

3.

It is feared that there will be a famine soon.

4.

It is thought that there have been more accidents this year than last year.

5.

His country is claimed to be neutral.

6.

It is said that there is a way to make artificial grass.

7.

She was said to have nothing left to live for.

8.

She was declared to be the winner of the competition.

9.

Human beings are said to be able to live on food capsules.

10.

He was seen to be committing the crime.

11.

It is prophesied that there will be a Third World War.

12.

Women are no longer thought to have to stay at home.

13.

The house is believed to be haunted.

14.

This dispute is considered to be a matter of personal prejudice.

15.

He is known to be responsible for causing all the trouble.

16.

It was assumed that there were no hitches in their plan.

17.

It is believed that there is an after-world.

18.

It is feared that there are loopholes in the plan.

19.

The command was passed on to the troops.

20.

It is claimed that there is a nuclear center on the remote island.

21.

Blood is said to be always thicker than water.

22.

He is known to be a wanted man.

23.

it is hoped that men will live happily together.

24.

It is believed that there are many horizons man can explore.

25.

It is said that there is great potential wealth in the oceans.

Put in the passive form of the Simple Present or the Present continuous tense of the verb in the brackets.

Everyone ( give ) a chance to play the game. Tom is playing it now. The rest ( tell ) to wait patiently for their turn.
Everyone is given a chance to play the game. Tom is playing it now. The rest are told to wait patiently for their turn.

1.The students ( forbid ) to enter the library because it ( repaint ) at the moment.

2.Stamps ( sell ) at this counter while lottery tickets ( offer ) at that one.
3.The files ( keep ) in that cabinet. They ( check ) by the secretary now.
4.Do you see the rubber sheets that ( pack ) in bales ? They ( load ) on the ship now.
5.The script ( write ) by Mr White and the songs ( compose ) by his wife. We do not know who will be in the cast yet; the actors ( select ) now.
6.The washing-machine ( not use ) at present because it has broken down. It ( repair ) now.
7.The goods ( import ) from the United States. They ( distribute ) by various agencies but attempts ( make ) to produce them locally.
8.Accidents often occur because of careless driving. Frequently the guilty driver ( sue ) by the other driver who ( involve ) in the accident.
9.Traffic ( expect ) to flow more smoothly when work on widening the highway ( complete ).
10."I think that I ( follow ) by a man who ( want ) by the police," he said.
11.A warning sign ( place ) near the big tree that ( cut ) down now. Motorists ( divert ) by the police to another road.
12.The goods in the window of the shop ( arrange ) at the moment. Customers ( invite ) to look at other parts of the shop.
13.Preparations ( make ) to build houses there. Bulldozers ( bring ) in and the land ( level ) now.

14.Nancy's car ( park ) outside the tailor's shop. She ( measure ) by the tailor for a dress now.
15.The damaged car ( tow ) by a lorry to the workshop now.
16.The two suspects ( interrogate ) by the police at the moment. They ( hold ) in custody until bail ( arrange ) for them.
17.The prize-giving ceremony usually ( watch ) by more than four hundred people. The head prefect always ( present ) with a medal.
18.The candidates for the job ( interview ) by the manager now. Then they ( give ) a test to find out whether they are suitable for the job.
19.The plane ( schedule ) to arrive at the airport at five o'clock and ( expect ) to depart for Tokyo at six.
20.The houses ( not occupy ) as the certificates of fitness ( not issue ) yet.
Answers
1.The students are forbidden to enter the library because it is being repainted at the moment.
2.Stamps are sold at this counter while lottery tickets are offered at that one.
3.The files are kept in that cabinet. They are being checked by the secretary now.
4.Do you see the rubber sheets that are packed in bales ? They are being loaded on the ship now.

5.The script is written by Mr White and the songs are composed by his wife. We do not know who will be in the cast yet; the actors are being selected now.
6.The washing-machine is not being used at present because it has broken down. It is being repaired now.
7.The goods are imported from the United States. They are distributed by various agencies but attempts are being made to produce them locally.
8.Accidents often occur because of careless driving. Frequently the guilty driver is sued by the other driver who is involved in the accident.
9.Traffic is expected to flow more smoothly when work on widening the highway is completed ).
10."I think that I am being followed by a man who is wanted by the police," he said.
11.A warning sign is placed near the big tree that is being cut down now. Motorists are being diverted by the police to another road.
12.The goods in the window of the shop are being arranged at the moment. Customers are invited to look at other parts of the shop.
13.Preparations are being made to build houses there. Bulldozers are being brought in and the land is being levelled now.
14.Nancy's car is parked park outside the tailor's shop. She is being measured by the tailor for a dress now.
15.The damaged car is being towed by a lorry to the workshop now.
16.The two suspects are being interrogated by the police at the moment. They are being held in custody until bail is arranged for them.

17.The prize-giving ceremony usually is watched by more than four hundred people. The head prefect is always presented with a medal.
18.The candidates for the job are being interviewed by the manager now. Then they are given a test to find out whether they are suitable for the job.
19.The plane is scheduled to arrive at the airport at five o'clock and is expected to depart for Tokyo at six.
20.The houses are not occupied as the certificates of fitness are not issued yet.
Change the following sentences into the Passive Voice

People always praised him for his works of art.

He was always praised for his works of art.

1.
They speak English all over the world.
2.
Somebody has given me an invitation to a party.
3.
People will forget this scandal in time to come.

4.
They offered him a job but he turned it down.
5.
Someone can easily repair this machine.
6.
Someone left this parcel here for you.
7.
Has anyone cleaned the room yet ?
8.
No one told us anything about the change of venue.
9.
They ordered the prisoners to turn to face the wall.
10.
They are giving each child a second helping of ice-cream.
11.
Someone made this carpet in Iran.

12.
he painted the portrait beautifully.
13.
Someone will take you to the manager's office.
14.
Someone gave him an autograph book to sign.
15.
They should repair this road as soon as possible.
16.
He is asking the girl to show him her passport.
17.
They make furniture out of this type of wood.
18.
He made over the estate to the orphanage.
19.
People will take this statement to be the truth.

20.
The cat licked up the spilt milk.
Answers
1.
English is spoken all over the world.
2.
I was given an invitation to the party.
3.
This scandal will be forgotten in time to come.
4.
He was offered a job, but he turned it down.
5.
This machine can be easily repaired.
6.
This parcel was left here for you.
7.
Has the room been cleaned yet ?

8.
We were not told anything about the change of venue.
9.
The prisoners were ordered to turn to face the wall.
10.
Each child is being given a second helping of ice-cream.
11.
This carpet was made in Iran.
12.
The portrait was painted beautifully by him.
13.
You will be taken to the manager's office.
14.
He was given in autograph book to sign.
15.
This road should be repaired as soon as possible.

16.
The girl is being asked to show her passport to him.
17.
Furniture is made out of this type of wood.
18.
The estate was made over to the orphanage.
19.
This statement will be taken to be the truth.
20.
The spilt milk was licked up by the cat.

Put the following sentences into the Passive Voice. Be sure that you use the agent where necessary.

Shakespeare wrote the play 'King Lear'.

The play 'King Lear' was written by Shakespeare.

1.
In some countries they deny women the right to vote.
2.
They held a party to celebrate their victory.
3.
The fire destroyed many shophouses.
4.
He will lead the blind man across the street.
5.
Why has nobody done anything about this matter ?
6.
Beethoven composed this piece of music after he had become deaf.
7.
They are going to hand in their essays tomorrow.
8.
People always speak well of that doctor.

9.
What questions did the interviewer ask you ?
10.
The police have tracked down the criminal.
11.
They asked the boy to do a very difficult task.
12.
The head waiter himself showed us to our table.
13.
They will elect a new president of the club.
14.
He can't have shut the door properly.
15.
Jack beat John in the 100-meter race.
16.
Someone has misplaced the book. I can't find it anywhere. ( 2 passives )

17.
Didn't they tell you to come here at seven o'clock ?
18.
Leonardo da Vinci painted the Mona Lisa.
19.
That famous professor wrote a book on archaeology.
20.
They told me that someone had broken into your house. ( 2 passives )
Answers
1.
Women are denied the right to vote in some countries.
2.
A party was held to celebrate their victory.
3.
Many shophouses were destroyed by the fire.
4.

The blind man will be led across the street.

5.
Why hasn't anything been done about this matter ?
6.
This piece of music was composed by Beethoven after he had become deaf.
7.
Their essays are going to be handed in tomorrow.
8.
That doctor is always spoken well of.
9.
What questions were you asked by the interviewer ?
10.
The criminal has been tracked down by the police.
11.
They boy was asked to do a very difficult task.
12.

We were shown to our table by the headwaiter himself.

13.
A new president of the club will be elected.
14.
The door can't have been shut properly by him.
15.
John was beaten by Jack in the 100-meter race.
16.
The book has been misplaced. it can't be found anywhere.
17.
Weren't you told to come here at seven o'clock ?
18.
The Mona Lisa was painted by Leonardo da Vinci.
19.
A book on archaeology was written by that famous professor.
20.

I was told that your house had been broken into.

Put the following sentences into the Passive Voice.

People say that tortoises have very long lives.

Tortoises are said to have very long lives.

1.
They say that the Vikings discovered America first.
2.
The natives believe that evil spirits cause illnesses.
3.
People generally assume that fat people are lazy.
4.
They say that blood is always thicker than water.
5.
People believed that he was the strongest man living.

6.
They fear that all the passengers in the ship were drowned.
7.
They claimed that the product was the best on the market.
8.
They assumed that the answer was correct.
9.
They know that she is innocent of the crime.
10.
They considered him the most brilliant of all the men there.
11.
They claimed that their car was damaged in the accident.
12.
She made him work like a slave.
13.
Don't open the box when I'm away.

14.
Someone saw him teasing the dog with a bone.
15.
People fear that the Third World War will break out in this generation.
16.
They knew that the thief always struck at night.
17.
People think that the rite is outdated.
18.
They understand that speeding is an offence.
Answers
1.
The Vikings are said to have discovered America first.
2.
It is believed by the natives that illnesses are caused by evil spirits.
3.

Fat people are generally assumed to be lazy.

4.
Blood is always said to be thicker than water.
5.
He was believed to be the strongest man living.
6.
All the passengers in the ship were feared to have drowned.
7.
The product was claimed to be the best on the market.
8.
The answer was assumed to be correct.
9.
She is known to be innocent of the crime.
10.
He was considered the most brilliant of all the men there.
11.

Their car was claimed to have been damaged in the accident.

12.
He was made to work like a slave.
13.
The box is not to be opened when I'm away.
14.
He was seen to be teasing the dog with a bone.
15.
The Third World war is feared to break out in this generation.
16.
The thief was known to always strike at night.
17.
The rite is thought to be outdated.
18.
Speeding is understood to be an offence.

Put the following sentences into the Passive Voice.

They say that he is the ring-leader.

He is said to be the ring-leader.
People say that there are no living creatures on the sun.
It is said that there are no living creatures on the sun.

1.
They say that there is plenty of food in the oceans.
2.
They knew that there are no tigers in Africa.
3.
They supposed that the rats made those nests.
4.
They hope that all the races can live in harmony together.
5.
They fear that there is a time-bomb on the plane.

6.
People know that drastic changes have been made in the government.
7.
Some people claim that their religion is the only true one.
8.
They believe that there is great potential wealth on the moon.
9.
They believe that there is an abominable snowman in the Himalayas.
10.
People no longer think that the world is flat.
11.
They consider this issue a matter of great importance.
12.
Some people fear that there will be a shortage of food in the near future.
13.
they hope that the airplane will not crash in the storm.

14.
People generally assume that money is the root of all evil.
15.
Circumstance forced him to act that way.
16.
The police believe that he is guilty of the crime.
17.
He claimes that there will be an earthquake in Tokyo this week.
18.
They believe that there will not be any changes in the timetable for the examination.
19.
The chairman is going to deliver a speech at the annual dinner.
20.
They tell me that they will hold the meeting in the school hall at one o'clock tomorrow. ( 2 passives )
Answers
1.
It is said that there is plenty of food in the oceans.

2.
It is known that there are no tigers in Africa.
3.
It is supposed that the rats made those nests.
4.
It is hoped that all the races can live in harmony together.
5.
It is feared that there is a time-bomb on the plane.
6.
It is known that drastic changes have been made in the government.
7.
It is claimed by some people that their religion is the only true one.
8.
It is believed that there is great potential wealth on the moon.
9.
It is believed that there is an abominable snowman in the Himalayas.

10.
It is no longer thought that the world is flat.
11.
This issue is considered a matter of great importance.
12.
It is feared that there will be a shortage of food in the near future.
13.
It is hoped that the airplane will not crash in the storm.
14.
It is generally assumed that money is the root of all evil.
15.
He was forced by circumstances to act that way
16.
It is believed by the police that he is guilty of the crime.
17.
It is claimed by him that there will be an earthquake in Tokyo this week.

18.
It is believed that there will not be any changes in the timetable for the examination.
19.
A speech is going to be delivered by the chairman at the annual dinner.
20.
I was told that the meeting will be held in the school hall at one o'clock tomorrow.
Change the following sentences into the passive voice. You can leave out the 'doer'.
1.

The boy feeds his dogs twice a day.

2.

The counselor advised the drug addict to change his ways.

3.

The naughty boys broke several windows in the fight.

4.

Suseela was selling her paintings at the exhibition.

5.

The villagers had built a house for the poor family.

6.

They will make every effort to raise funds for the orphanage.

7.

He sold his bicycle to help pay his school fees.

8.

The teacher has scolded her pupils for being disobedient.

9.

The volunteers rearranged the tables neatly.

10.

Someone had taken the postman's bag by mistake.

11.

People think of his behavior as very strange.

12.

The lady was sleeping when they broke into the house.

13.

Someone has already paid the electrician for his work.

14.

After the interview, they offered me a job at the bank.

Answers
1.

His dogs are fed twice a day.

2.

The drug addict was advised by the counselor to change his ways.

3.

Several windows were broken by the naughty boys in the fight.

4.

Suseela's paintings were being sold at the exhibition.

5.

A house had been built by the villagers for the poor family.

6.

Every effort will be made to raise funds for the orphanage.

7.

His bicycle was sold to help pay his school fees.

8.

The students were scolded by the teacher for being disobedient.

9.

The tables were rearranged neatly by the volunteers.

10.

The postman's bag had been taken by mistake.

11.

His behavior is thought of as very strange.

12.

The lady was sleeping when the house was broken into.

13.

The electrician has been paid for his work.

14.

I was offered a job at the bank after the interview.