The passive
Passives with modals, perfect, -ing and infinitive forms, phrasal verbs, have something done and get.
At C1 the passive appears in more complex forms: with modals, in the -ing form and with phrasal verbs. The key is always the same: be (in the right form) + past participle.
Every form of be
Put be in the right form, then add the past participle.
Special cases
Have something done and get
How it comes up in Part 4
In Part 4 you complete the second sentence with the key word, so that it means the same as the first one (3–6 words).
BEEN
We should have been warned about the delay.
Keep the modal and add 'been': should have been + past participle.
PUT
The final has been put off until next month.
Present perfect passive of 'put off' (= postpone).
BEING
I don't like being interrupted by other people.
Being + past participle: the -ing form of the passive.
Common mistakes
- ✗ The event was called because of the rain.✓ The event was called off because of the rain.Keep the particle.
- ✗ I hate being tell what to do.✓ I hate being told what to do.Being + past participle.
- ✗ It should have done earlier.✓ It should have been done earlier.The passive needs 'been'.
Find the verb form in the first sentence (should have told, are going to postpone…) and keep it, adding 'be' in the same form: should have been told, are going to be put off.
Quick check
Complete the second sentence so that it means the same as the first. Use the key word and write 3–6 words.
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