How to Write a Problem and Solution Essay
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Introduction to Passive: Past Simple

Understanding the Passive Voice (Past Simple)

A Guide to Forming and Using the Passive Voice

In the past simple passive, the focus is on the action and what happened rather than who performed the action.

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Passive: Past Simple Structure

Structure of the Past Simple Passive

Forming the past simple passive follows this structure:

Subject + was/were + past participle (+ by agent, if necessary)

Examples:

  • The book was written by J.K. Rowling.
  • The cake was baked in the morning.
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When to Use the Passive Voice

Why Use the Passive Voice?

  • When the doer of the action is unknown or unimportant.
  • When we want to emphasize the action rather than the subject.
  • In formal or academic writing.
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Active vs. Passive Voice

Converting Active to Passive

Active: The chef cooked the meal.
Passive: The meal was cooked by the chef.

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Common Mistakes

Common Errors in the Past Simple Passive

  • Incorrect verb forms (e.g., “The car was drive” ❌ instead of “The car was driven” ✅)
  • Using “is/are” instead of “was/were” for past events
  • Omitting “by” when it’s needed
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Practice Sentences

Practice Transforming Sentences

  • The artist painted the picture. → The picture ______ (paint) by the artist.
  • They built the bridge in 1995. → The bridge ______ (build) in 1995.
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Real-Life Applications

Where Do We See the Passive Voice?

  • News reports
  • Scientific and academic writing
  • Instructions and manuals
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Summary and Tips

Key Takeaways

  • Use “was/were + past participle” to form the passive.
  • The passive is used when the doer is unknown or unimportant.
  • Common in formal, academic, and news writing.
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Mini Quiz

Quick Quiz

Identify the correct passive form:

  • The movie ______ (direct) by Spielberg. (was directed / directed)
  • A new policy ______ (introduce) last year. (was introduced / introduced)
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Conclusion

Final Thoughts

By mastering the past simple passive, you can improve clarity in formal writing and academic contexts.