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.  Active : We may ask him a few questions.

     Passive: A few questions may be asked

2.  Active : I can manage a motor car.

     Passive: A motor car can be managed

3. Active : You must inquire the way.

    Passive: The way must be inquired

4. Active : He might give you a chance.

    Passive: A chance might  be given

5. Active : I could show you his house if you would permit me

    Passive: His house can be showed you if you would permit me

6. Active : I should enjoy a sea-voyage.

    Passive: A sea-voyage should be enjoyed

Thank you for those who want to read, hopefully they will benefit.