Passive Verbs & Explaining Processes

Today we're going to look at passive verbs, (or passive voice) for example:

Coffee is grown in countries like Ethiopia and Brazil. 

Why not use, "Countries like Ethiopia and Brazil grow coffee"? 

Answer: coffee is the main topic. So, "coffee" the first word in the sentences even though (grammatically) it is the object of a sentence.

Please read on to learn how about the function and grammar of passive verbs.


We use passive verbs when:

a) the object of the sentence is more important or the focus,

The Queen is invited to visit Canada every four years by the Prime Minister.

b) when the subject is unknown or secret,

My bike was stolen while I was shopping.

We've been informed that you're unhappy working here

c) talking about a process step-by-step,

First, the order is sent to our warehouse, then... 


Passive verbs are made using "be" plus the past participle of a verb (examples). Study the guide below.

is, are, was, were              

is/are/was/were being

have/has                                } made, written, eaten, bought, etc.

have/has been

had

had been 

are/is/was/were/ going to be

will be/have been

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Let's look at the example sentence again to see the structure of a sentence with a passive verb.

Coffee is grown in countries like Ethiopia and Brazil.

object + passive verb + preposition + subject(s)


Note: the word order is different. The object is first; the subject is last or often not used. For example:

"Romeo and Juliet" was written by William Shakespeare. 

The sales presentation will be done by Ms Chang.

The word "by" is used when the subject is included in the sentence.

Passive verbs are very common in the English language and are used in daily conversation and business. 

Exercise

Re-write the sentences below using passive verbs. The first sentence has been done as an example. You may write your answers in the comments section.

1/  Coffee makers import coffee beans from all over the world.

Coffee beans are imported from all over the world (by coffee companies)

 *Remember, you don't always have to use the subject of the sentences.


2/ Coffee factory workers sort the coffee beans into batches (dark roast, mild, blends, etc).

3/ Roasting machines roast the coffee beans from a raw to a finished state.

4/  Coffee factory workers then put the roasted coffee beans into bags or buckets.

5/ Grinding machines grind the coffee beans. 

6/ Factory workers then put the ground coffee into packages.

7/ Truck drivers deliver the packaged coffee to distributors and coffee shops. 


Bonus Exercise: Write about a process you know about from work, school, home, etc.

For more practice, click on the links below for quizzes and games.

English Exercies quiz.

English Media Lab  Hoop Shoot   and Penalty Shootout games.


You can also watch these videos from EngVid by instructors Adam and Ronnie.