Forming Passives With Modals

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