When to use the present continuous passive?
You need to use the present continuous passive to describe situations that are currently in progress, but the main focus is on the result (object) and not the (subject). The main difference between the active voice and passive voice is on the meaning of the message:
Active voice focuses on the subject
Passive voice focuses on the result (object)
Let’s have a look at some examples to learn more about the differences between active and passive voice with special focus on the present continuous passive. If you need more information on the differences between the active and passive voice, I recommend clicking on this post as I explained everything that you need to know.
Example:
Active voice: She is preparing the report.
Passive voice: The report is (being) prepared.
Explanation:
1)the object needs to be placed as a subject (the report).
2)Add verb to BE + being.
3)use the past participle (verb 3): prepare = prepared
Example:
Active voice: The developer is renovating the building
Passive voice: The building is being renovated
Explanation:
1)the object needs to be placed as a subject (the building).
2)Use verb to Be (is) + being because we refer to one building.
3)use the past participle (verb 3): renovate = renovated
How to form questions using the present continuous passive?
with (yes/ no) answers, start with (verb to BE) as shown below:
am/ is/ are + subject + being + past participle?
With detailed answers, start with (Wh-Questions) as shown below:
Wh-word + am/ is/ are + subject + being + past participle?
Examples:
Is the report being completed on time? – (yes/ no answer)
Is the house being cleaned at the moment? – (yes/ no answer)
Are the invitations being sent? – (yes/ no answer)
Where is the cake being baked? – (detailed answer)
When is the report being completed? – (detailed answer)
Why is the house being cleaned at the moment? – (detailed answer)
How to form negative sentences using the present continuous passive?
You need to use (not) after verb to BE (am, is, are) as shown below in the following structure:
Subject + am/is/are + not + being + past participle
Examples:
The report is not being finished by this afternoon.
The homework is not being completed on time.
The house is not being renovated.
The cake is not being baked.
The documents are not being reviewed.
Explanation:
Make sure to use (being) when speaking about the progressive passive form!
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 present continuous passive 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!