Passive Voice & When to Use It

The passive voice is not just a grammatical structure — it is a strategic tool. In IELTS, knowing when to use the passive (and when to avoid it) can make the difference between a Band 6 and a Band 7 in Grammatical Range and Accuracy. This lesson covers how to form the passive, when it is appropriate, and the common errors candidates make.

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Active vs Passive: The Basics

In an active sentence, the subject performs the action:

The government introduced new regulations.

In a passive sentence, the subject receives the action:

New regulations were introduced (by the government).

Structure: Subject + be (conjugated) + past participle (+ by agent)

The "by agent" phrase is optional — include it only when the doer is important or unknown.

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Forming the Passive in All Tenses

Tense	Active	Passive
Present simple	They build houses.	Houses are built.
Present continuous	They are building houses.	Houses are being built.
Present perfect	They have built houses.	Houses have been built.
Past simple	They built houses.	Houses were built.
Past continuous	They were building houses.	Houses were being built.
Past perfect	They had built houses.	Houses had been built.
Future simple	They will build houses.	Houses will be built.
Future perfect	They will have built houses.	Houses will have been built.
Modal	They should build houses.	Houses should be built.
Modal perfect	They should have built houses.	Houses should have been built.

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When to Use the Passive

1. When the doer is unknown or unimportant

The pyramids were built around 2560 BC. (We don't know exactly who built them)

The data was collected over a six-month period. (Who collected it is not the focus)

2. When the action or result matters more than the doer

The new hospital will be completed by 2028.

Carbon emissions have been reduced by 15% since 2015.

3. In formal or academic writing

The passive creates an objective, impersonal tone:

It has been argued that technology harms social interaction.

Several solutions can be proposed to address this issue.

4. In IELTS Writing Task 1 (Academic)

Task 1 data descriptions make heavy use of the passive:

The highest number of visitors was recorded in July.

A significant increase can be observed between 2005 and 2010.

5. In process descriptions (Task 1)

When describing a process, the passive is essential:

First, the raw materials are collected. Next, they are transported to the factory, where they are processed into finished goods.

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When NOT to Use the Passive

1. When you know the doer and they are relevant

❌ The theory of relativity was developed. (By whom? This information matters)

✅ Einstein developed the theory of relativity.

2. When the active voice is clearer and more direct

❌ A decision was made by the committee to postpone the event.

✅ The committee decided to postpone the event.

3. When overuse makes writing dull and wordy

Too much passive voice makes your writing feel flat. Aim for a natural mix.

Band 6 (passive overuse):

It is believed by many people that education is considered to be important. New schools have been built by the government. Better results have been achieved by students.