English grammar › B2
The passive
Level B2 · It was built in 1900
What is the passive?
The passive puts the action or the result first, not the person who did it — usually because that person is unknown or not important.
When you use it
- News and reports: A man was arrested.
- Processes and history: The bridge was built in 1900.
Pattern
be + past participle (+ by …)
Examples
- English **is spoken** here. — who speaks it is not important
- The song **was written by** Lennon. — by when the doer matters
The rule
Focus on the action, not who did it: be + past participle. Add by only if the doer matters.
Active → passive: Someone stole my bike. → My bike was stolen.
Tip
The tense is in be: is made, was made, has been made, will be made.
Common mistakes
- Not:
The house was build in 1990.— But: The house was built in 1990.
Practise this lesson — Practice rounds, a score and your progress are in the free app.
Practise this lesson · Start learning — it’s free