Passive: Present
 
Click each section below to review the grammar explanation and examples.
A Basic Passive Structure

We use the passive voice when we want to focus on the person or thing that receives the action, instead of the person who does the action.

Subject + be + past participle
Compare:
Active: The company delivers the packages.

Passive: The packages are delivered by the company.

In the active sentence, the focus is on the company.

In the passive sentence, the focus is on the packages.

Tip: The person who does the action can be added with by, but we often leave it out when the person is unknown or not important.
The packages are delivered every morning.
B Present Simple Passive

We use the present simple passive for actions that happen regularly, for general facts, and for things that are usually done in a particular way.

am / is / are + past participle
Examples:
The office is cleaned every evening.
Employees are paid every two weeks.
English is spoken in many countries.
These documents are stored electronically.
Singular Subjects

Use is with a singular subject.

The application is reviewed by a manager.
Plural Subjects

Use are with a plural subject.

The applications are reviewed by a manager.
Common time expressions:
every day • usually • regularly • once a week • every month
C Present Continuous Passive

We use the present continuous passive for an action that is happening now or around the present time.

am / is / are + being + past participle
Examples:
The road is being repaired right now.
A new hospital is being built downtown.
The computers are being updated this week.
Several employees are being trained today.
Compare:
The computers are updated every month.
→ This happens regularly.

The computers are being updated right now.
→ This is happening now.
Remember: We need being when the passive action is in progress.

✓ The building is being renovated.

✗ The building is renovated right now.

D Yes/No Questions

To make a Yes/No question, put am, is, or are before the subject.

Present Simple Passive
Am / Is / Are + subject + past participle?
Is the building cleaned every day?
→ Yes, it is. / No, it isn't.
Are the employees paid weekly?
→ Yes, they are. / No, they aren't.
Present Continuous Passive
Am / Is / Are + subject + being + past participle?
Is the road being repaired today?
→ Yes, it is. / No, it isn't.
Are the computers being replaced this week?
→ Yes, they are. / No, they aren't.
Remember: We do not use do or does to make passive questions.

✓ Is the package delivered every morning?

✗ Does the package be delivered every morning?

E Wh- Questions

We can use what, when, where, why, how, and other question words with the passive.

Present Simple Passive
Wh-word + am / is / are + subject + past participle?
When are employees paid?
Where are the documents stored?
How is the food prepared?
Why is this information collected?
Present Continuous Passive
Wh-word + am / is / are + subject + being + past participle?
Why is the road being closed?
Where is the new school being built?
Why are the employees being trained?
What is being discussed at the meeting?
Notice: Sometimes the Wh-word itself is the subject.

What is being built downtown?
→ A new hospital is being built downtown.
F Key Points to Remember
1. Passive = be + past participle

The form of be changes, but the past participle stays the same.

is delivered
are delivered
is being delivered
are being delivered
2. Use the present simple passive for regular actions and facts.
The offices are cleaned every evening.
3. Use the present continuous passive for actions happening now.
The offices are being cleaned right now.
4. Use “by” only when the person doing the action is important.
The final decision is made by the manager.

Often, we don't need to say who does the action:

Applications are reviewed within five business days.
5. Don't forget “being” in the continuous passive.

✓ The bridge is being repaired.

✗ The bridge is repaired right now.

6. The main difference is the focus.
Active: Someone is repairing the bridge.
→ Focus on the person doing the action.

Passive: The bridge is being repaired.
→ Focus on the bridge and the action.
Grammar Exercises »