Advanced passive forms
Build passive structures with modal, continuous and perfect verb forms while preserving the original time meaning.
Learning goal: Advanced passive forms
Use be or been plus a past participle inside more complex passive verb phrases.
In a nutshell
Build passive structures with modal, continuous and perfect verb forms while preserving the original time meaning.
When do we use it?
Use be or been plus a past participle inside more complex passive verb phrases.
Pattern
Form
Passive forms contain be + past participle: may be done, is being done, has been done.
- It may be delayed.
- The road is being repaired.
- The work has been completed.
Examples
Key contrast
At B2, choose the form from the complete context: sequence, viewpoint, degree of certainty and clause structure all matter.
Watch out
Common mistakes
It may delayed.→ It may be delayed.The road is been repaired.→ The road is being repaired.
Key takeaway
Remember
Build passive structures with modal, continuous and perfect verb forms while preserving the original time meaning.
Self-check
Quick check
- Identify the time relationship or intended meaning.
- Check the auxiliary, participle and clause pattern.
- Eliminate answers that fit the words but not the context.
Put it into practice
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A short interactive practice session with instant feedback — about 10 questions calibrated to B2 First.
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