Spoken English Course – Level 4 (Advanced)
Module 2: Active & Passive Voice (Advanced Usage)
1. Understanding Voice
Voice shows whether the subject performs the action or
the action is performed on the subject.
- Active Voice: Subject + Verb + Object
- Passive Voice: Object + Auxiliary Verb + Past Participle
2. Active vs Passive – Basic Comparison
| Active Voice |
Passive Voice |
| She writes a letter. |
A letter is written by her. |
| The teacher explained the lesson. |
The lesson was explained by the teacher. |
3. Passive Voice in Different Tenses
| Tense |
Active |
Passive |
| Present Simple |
He repairs the car. |
The car is repaired by him. |
| Past Simple |
She cooked food. |
Food was cooked by her. |
| Future |
They will complete the work. |
The work will be completed. |
| Present Perfect |
He has finished the job. |
The job has been finished. |
Only transitive verbs (verbs with objects) can be converted into passive voice.
4. When to Use Passive Voice
- When the doer is unknown
- When the action is more important
- In formal writing and reports
- In news and official announcements
The thief was arrested last night.
(Doer is not important)
5. Omitting “By Whom”
In advanced English, "by whom" is often omitted if it is unnecessary.
The work has been completed.
(The person is not important)
6. Common Mistakes & Corrections
| Incorrect |
Correct |
| The letter is wrote by him. |
The letter is written by him. |
| The work was complete. |
The work was completed. |
| The food is cooked by her yesterday. |
The food was cooked by her yesterday. |
7. Speaking Practice (Active → Passive)
Change orally:
1. The manager approved the plan.
2. She is cleaning the room.
3. They have built the bridge.
8. Real-Life Usage
- Office emails: “The report has been submitted.”
- Notices: “Entry is prohibited.”
- News: “The law was passed yesterday.”
9. Daily Practice Tips
- Convert 5 sentences daily
- Read newspapers to observe passive voice
- Speak passive sentences aloud
10. Module Outcome
- Mastery of active & passive voice
- Professional communication skills
- Improved formal English usage
