Complex passive chains

Construct passive verb chains containing perfect, progressive, modal and infinitive elements in the correct sequence.

When do we use it?

Maintain auxiliary order and agreement in highly embedded passive phrases.

Form

Auxiliaries follow the order modal, perfect have, progressive be, passive be, lexical participle.

• may have been being monitored
• appears to have been overlooked

Key contrast

At C2, grammar is a resource for controlling perspective, density, rhythm and register, not merely avoiding error.

Common mistakes

• may been being monitored → may have been being monitored
• appears to been overlooked → appears to have been overlooked

Remember

Construct passive verb chains containing perfect, progressive, modal and infinitive elements in the correct sequence.

Quick check

• Identify the information focus and logical relationship.
• Check auxiliary order, reference and complement pattern.
• Choose the option that is idiomatic in the intended register.