Forming Passives With Modals
Affirmative Form
Object + may, must, can, could, ought to,
should + be + verb3
Question Form
Must, may, can, should, might + object + be +
verb3 (past participle)
Something must / can / should... be done by
someone at sometime.
Active
: Our English teacher may give an exam today.
Passive : An exam may be given by our English
teacher today.
Active
: Thomas has written many books.
Passive : Many books have been written by
Thomas.
Active
: Do you have to pay the bill before leaving the restaurant?
Passive : the bill have to be paid before
leaving the restaurant?
Active
: Juan can give them some information about the job.
Passive
: Some information can be given about the job by Juan.
Passive2 : They can be given some information
about the JOB by Juan.
Active
: You must obey the traffic rules.
Passive : The traffic rules must be obeyed.
Quick Exercise
Put the following sentences into passive
voice. (Modals)
1. We
may ask him a few questions.
Passive: a few questions may be asked of him
2. I
can manage a motor car.
Passive: a motor car can be managed
3.
You must inquire the way.
Passive: the way must be inquire
4. He
might give you a chance.
Passive: a chance might be given
5. I
could show you his house if you would permit me.
Passive: . his house can be
shown to you if you would permit me
6. I
should enjoy a sea-voyage.
Passive: a sea-voyage should be enjoyed