Past simple passive

Level and focus

Level: B1
Category: Passive voice

Use the past simple passive to focus on a completed action or result in the past.

By the end of this lesson, you should be able to: form was/were + past participle and decide whether a by-agent adds useful information.

Form

subject + was/were + past participle

• The bridge was built in 1990.
• The windows were broken during the storm.
• Was the email sent on time?

Add by + agent only when it tells the reader something important.

• The building was designed by Zaha Hadid.
• The final decision was made by the committee.

When to omit the agent

Omit the agent when it is unknown, obvious or irrelevant.

• The painting was stolen in 1998. (unknown)
• The tickets were sold online. (the seller is not important)
• The road was closed because of flooding. (the focus is the result)

Agent or instrument?

• by + person/group: The documentary was directed by Ava DuVernay.
• with + tool/object: The window was broken with a stone.

Examples

• The first vaccine was developed by a team of researchers.
• The final decision was made by the committee.
• The building was designed by a local architect.
• The lights were switched off at midnight.

Common mistakes

• not The bridge was build; use The bridge was built.
• not The letters was sent; use The letters were sent.
• not The painting was stolen by someone; use The painting was stolen.
• not broken by a stone; use broken with a stone.

Quick check

1. Is the event completed in the past?
2. Do I need was or were?
3. Is the main verb a past participle?
4. Does the by-agent identify someone relevant?