Skill 37:
Use the correct form of the passive.
*Passive voice is used when the focus is on the action. It is not
important or not known, however, who or what is performing the
action..
The following chart outlines the way to form the passive correctly:
THE FORM OF THE PASSIVE
BE
+
PAST PARTICPLE (BY + OBJECT)
Examples: - My bike was stolen.
(In the example above, the focus is on the fact that my bike was stolen. I
do not know, however, who did it)
-A mistake was made.
(In this case, I focus on the fact that a mistake was made, but I do not
blame anyone (You have made a mistake.).