When to use the past simple passive voice?
You need to use the past simple passive voice to describe situations that were completed in the past without focusing on the doer (subject). The difference between the active voice and passive voice is about the importance of information:
Active voice focuses on the subject
Passive voice focuses on the object (result) as the subject is either not relevant or not as important as the object.
*I explained the differences between passive and active voice in depth details using examples and detailed explanations here, so feel free to click on it.
How to form sentences using the past simple passive voice?
To form past simple passive voice sentences, follow the rule below:
Subject + was/were + past participle (verb in the third form)
*subjects (I, he, she, it) – was
Subjects (we, you, they) – were
Example:
Active sentence: The kids broke the window yesterday.
Passive sentence: The window was broken.
Explanation:
1)the object needs to be placed as a subject (the window).
2)the verb needs to be matched with the object (the window was).
3)use the past participle (verb 3): broke – broken
Example:
Active voice: He sent me an email
Passive voice: An email was sent to me.
Explanation:
1)the object needs to be placed as a subject (an email).
2)the verb needs to be matched with the object (an email was).
3)use the past participle (verb 3): sent – sent
How to form questions using the past simple passive form?
with (yes/ no) answers, start with (verb to BE) as shown below:
was/ were + subject + past participle?
With detailed answers, start with (Wh-Questions) as shown below:
Wh-word + was/ were + subject + past participle?
Examples:
Was the email sent? – (yes/ no answers)
Were the documents signed? – (yes/ no answers)
When was the house built? – (detailed answer)
Where was the meeting held? – (detailed answer)
How to form negative sentences using the past simple passive form?
You need to add (not) after verb to BE as shown in the following structure:
Subject + was/ were + not + past participle
Examples:
The project was not completed on time,
The car was not washed.
The windows were not cleaned.
The cake was not baked.
Explanation:
You just need to use the object in the beginning of the sentence followed by verb to be (was/ were) and the rest of the sentence. You just need to follow the passive rules that I typed and you are good to go 🙂
So, I hope you find this English grammar lesson useful, let me know if you have any questions related to the use of the use of simple present passive voice or if you have any suggestions for the upcoming topics. Yesterday, I explained other English grammar topics here so feel free to check it Also, if you need a private discussion or lessons, email me
Have a great day & take care!