The passive voice is very often used in English.
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- It is created by using the following: to be + past participle (the third form of a verb).
The letter was written yesterday.
Ice hockey is played in many countries.
Peter was given a watch for his birthday.
- In the present and past tenses, the passive voice can be in progressive form: to be + being + past participle.
The house is being built (they are building the house now).
The house was being built when moved to the town. (they were building the house when we started to live in the town).
- The preposition by in connection with the passive voice points out to an agent of the action.
The window was broken by the boys.
The new supermarket will be built by a local construction company.
NEGATIVE
The parcels have not been sent yet.
People in the affected areas will not be given any compensations.
The letter is not written.
QUESTION
Are these products made in Japan?
Will they be invited to the party?
When were they returned?
OTHER EXAMPLES
I was told about it (someone told me about it).
She is said to be the best student in our school (people say she is the best student).
The doctor has been sent for (They called a doctor to come).
It must be taken to the repair shop ( it needs repair).
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