Passive Voice of Present Tenses:

Understanding the passive voice in present tenses is essential for clear and effective communication. In the passive voice, the focus shifts from the doer (subject) to the action itself or the receiver (object) of that action. This article will explain how to form passive voice in present tenses, provide examples, detail common mistakes with corrections, and include exercises to help you practice.

What Are Present Tenses in Passive Voice?

In present tenses, the passive voice is formed by combining a suitable form of the verb "to be" with the past participle of the main verb. The agent (the doer) can be included with the word "by", but it is often omitted if it's unimportant or unknown.

Passive Voice in Present Tenses

1. Present Simple Passive

• Structure: Object + is/are + past participle

• Example:

  • Active: The teacher explains the lesson.

  • Passive: The lesson is explained (by the teacher).

2. Present Continuous Passive

• Structure: Object + is/are + being + past participle

• Example:

  • Active: The students are reading the book.

  • Passive: The book is being read (by the students).

3. Present Perfect Passive

• Structure: Object + has/have + been + past participle

• Example:

  • Active: She has completed the assignment.

  • Passive: The assignment has been completed (by her).

Common Mistakes:

❌ Mistake 1: Incorrect Form of "To Be"

• Incorrect: The report are written by the manager.

• Correct: The report is written by the manager.

• Explanation: In the present simple passive, use "is" for singular subjects and "are" for plural subjects.

❌ Mistake 2: Missing "Being" in Present Continuous Passive

• Incorrect: The song is sung by the choir right now.

• Correct: The song is being sung by the choir right now.

• Explanation: For the present continuous passive, include "being" after the appropriate form of "to be."

❌ Mistake 3: Omitting "Been" in Present Perfect Passive

• Incorrect: The letter has sent by the secretary.

• Correct: The letter has been sent by the secretary.

• Explanation: The present perfect passive requires "been" after "has" or "have" to complete the correct structure.

❌ Mistake 4: Using Passive Voice Inconsistently

• Incorrect: A new system are introduced by the IT team every month.

• Correct: A new system is introduced by the IT team every month.

• Explanation: Ensure that the auxiliary verb agrees with the subject; here, "system" is singular, so use "is."

Exercises:

Exercise 1: Convert Active to Passive (Present Simple)

1. The chef cooks the meal.

2. The students complete the homework.

3. The committee approves the proposal.

4. The company manufactures new products.

Exercise 2: Convert Active to Passive (Present Continuous)

1. The team is playing the game.

2. She is reading an interesting article.

3. They are solving the problem.

4. The manager is reviewing the applications.

Exercise 3: Convert Active to Passive (Present Perfect)

1. She has finished the project.

2. They have organized the event.

3. I have submitted the report.

4. The author has published a new book.

Exercise 4: Identify and Correct the Errors

1. The homework are done by the students. → Correct it: __________

2. The song is sung by the choir every Sunday. → Correct it: __________

3. The news has been tell by the reporter. → Correct it: __________

4. A new policy are being implemented by the government. → Correct it: __________