Back to English
Back to Week 2
Writing: Describing a Process 2
Using the Passive
The passive of an active tense is formed by putting the verb to be into the same tense as the active verb and adding the past participle of the active verb.
Passive = To be + Past Participle
Examples
- Active: The farmer sends the milk to the factory.
- Passive: The milk is sent
to the factory.
- Active: We keep the books in the cupboard.
- Passive: The books are kept
in the cupboard.
- Active: First, put the water in a cup.
- Passive: First, the water is put in a cup.
Example: Making Paper
First, the tree is cut down. Then, the branches are removed. After that, the trunk is taken to the sawmill. Here, the bark is removed from the trunk and the trunks are sawn into logs. The logs are taken to the paper mill and placed in the shredder. Here they are cut into small strips and mixed with water. After that, they are heated and crushed.
Instructions and Directions
When you write instructions or directions in the passive you can use “should be”
- Active: Place the container on the mat.
- Passive: The container should be
placed on a mat.
- Active: Insert the coins slowly.
- Passive: The coins should be inserted slowly.
Next: Make Popcorn!