Speaking: Grammar in Speaking B2 - Lesson 4: Using a Wider Range of Passive Forms

Speaking: Grammar in Speaking B2 - Lesson 4: Using a Wider Range of Passive Forms

Welcome! Most learners know the basic passive voice, but at the B2 level, it's crucial to use a wider range of passive forms to sound more formal, objective¹, and precise. The passive voice is a powerful tool when you want to shift focus from the "doer" of the action to the action itself or the person/thing receiving it.

Why Use the Passive Voice in Speaking?

• When the person/thing receiving the action is more important: "Angkor Wat was built in the 12th century." (The focus is on Angkor Wat, not the builders).
• When the "doer" of the action is unknown or not important: "My wallet has been stolen!" (We don't know who stole it).
• To sound more formal or indirect: "A decision will be made tomorrow." (More formal than "The boss will decide tomorrow.")

Expanding Your Passive Tense Toolbox

Using the passive with different tenses allows you to express more complex ideas accurately.

Present Perfect Passive: `has/have been + p.p.`

Use for a past action with a present result.

"The date for the meeting has been changed." (The result is that the schedule is different now).

Past Continuous Passive: `was/were being + p.p.`

Use for an action in progress (in the passive) at a specific time in the past.

"I couldn't enter the building because the floor was being cleaned."

Future Passive: `will be + p.p.` or `is going to be + p.p.`

Use for future events, often in formal announcements.

"All employees will be given a bonus at the end of the year."

Modal Passive: `modal + be + p.p.`

Use with modals like 'must', 'should', 'can', etc.

"This report must be finished by 5 PM." (It's a necessity, the focus is on the report).

Scenario: A Formal Announcement

Listen to this short announcement from a project manager. Notice how the use of different passive forms makes the message sound professional and clear, focusing on the project, not the individuals.

"Good morning, everyone. Here's an update on the 'Green City' project. The initial funding has officially been approved by the board. The main park area is currently closed because the old pathways are being replaced. This work should be completed by next month. After that, over one thousand new trees are going to be planted. More information will be provided in next week's newsletter. Thank you."

Choosing Your Voice: Active vs. Passive

The choice of whether to use the active voice² or passive voice³ depends entirely on what you want to emphasize⁴.

Active Voice is Direct & Personal. The focus is on the doer.

• "I made a mistake." (I am taking responsibility).

Passive Voice is Indirect & Objective. The focus is on the action or receiver.

• "A mistake was made." (This is often used in business or politics to avoid blaming a specific person).

In most everyday, informal conversations, the active voice is more common. Use the passive as a specific tool when the situation calls for it.

Practice Quiz: Choose the Best Passive Form

Read the sentences and choose the passive form that fits the context best.

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1. "I can't use this meeting room right now. It __________ for a private event."

A) was used
B) has been used
C) is being used

→ Answer: C. This describes an action happening right now (Present Continuous Passive).

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2. "The police are investigating the crime, but no arrests __________ yet."

A) were made
B) have been made
C) must be made

→ Answer: B. This connects the past (the investigation until now) to the present result (no arrests yet), making Present Perfect Passive the best choice.

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3. "To ensure safety, all bags __________ before you enter the concert hall."

A) will be checked
B) are being checked
C) have been checked

→ Answer: A. This describes a future action or a rule, making the Future Passive (or a Modal Passive like 'must be checked') the most appropriate.

Your Mission: The Objective Reporter

Your mission is to practice using the passive voice to sound more formal and objective.

1. Think of a recent event at your work, your university, or in your city. (e.g., a new policy was introduced, a building was constructed, an event was held).
2. Imagine you are a news reporter explaining this event.
3. Record yourself giving a 60-second "news report." Your goal is to use at least three different passive forms from today's lesson.
4. Example: "It **was announced** this morning that the annual company party **will be held** on June 28th. The location **has not been decided** yet, but an email with more information **will be sent** to all staff next week..."
5. Listen back. Does using the passive voice help you sound more like a formal reporter?

Vocabulary Glossary

1. Objective: (Adjective) - អព្យាក្រឹត - Not influenced by personal feelings; based on facts. ↩
2. Active Voice: (Noun Phrase) - សម្លេងសកម្ម - The grammar form where the subject performs the action of the verb. ↩
3. Passive Voice: (Noun Phrase) - សម្លេងអកម្ម - The grammar form where the subject receives the action of the verb. ↩
4. Emphasize: (Verb) - គូសបញ្ជាក់ / សង្កត់ធ្ងន់ - To give special importance to something. ↩
5. Formal: (Adjective) - ជាផ្លូវការ - Used in serious or official situations. ↩