Back to Tutorials
One formula, one very consistent distractor
Passive voice always reduces to the same check — is "be" actually there? Here's the rule, with a real example for each step.
The formula
A form of "be" + the past participle: was / were / is / are / been + built, analyzed, introduced...
Chunks
the library · was built · in 1932 · by the university · built
"The library was built in 1932 by the university."
"built" alone (no "be") is the bare, active-form distractor.
Why use passive at all
The doer is unknown, unimportant, or less interesting than the action. No "by" phrase needed.
Chunks
new regulations · were introduced · last year · introduced
"New regulations were introduced last year."
"was" vs "were"
Match the subject, like ordinary subject-verb agreement — singular "was," plural "were."
Chunks
the results · were analyzed · by three separate researchers · analyzed
"The results were analyzed by three separate researchers."
"the results" is plural → "were."
The distractor pattern
The bare active form, with "be" missing — sometimes as a continuous form instead of simple.
Chunks
the building · is being renovated · this semester · is renovating
"The building is being renovated this semester."
Passive continuous needs "being" — "is renovating" is the active-sounding distractor.
DEB
4 things to know about passive voice
Audio: DEB (ElevenLabs)