Using passive voice with modal verbs

Using passive voice with modal verbs

English Grammar Rules, Explanation, and Examples

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Modal verb

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Grammar Rules

Grammar rules

Passive with Modal Verbs

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Grammar rules

Modal Verb

How to use passive voice with modal verbs?

Daily grammar lesson with Elo Kasia – Using passive voice with modal verbs.

What are modal verbs?

Modals are helping verbs that express possibility, ability, duty, permission or advisability. Words like can, could, may, might, must, should are all modals.

But modals also include something called “phrasal modals” – phrases such as has to, ought to and be supposed to.

The structure is: modal or modal phrase + be + the past participle( V3). 

Have a look at these examples:

  CAN:

• People can see the painting in the Louvre. – This paining can be seen in the Louvre.
• The company can provide interpreters on request. – Interpreters can be provided on request.

  SHOULD

• Users should return the books by next week. – Books should be returned by next week.
• The building contractor should finish the repairs by next March. – The repairs should be finished by next March.

  MUST

• Students must complete their assignments on time. – Assignments must be completed on time.
• Drivers must wear seat belts at all times. – Seatbelts must be worn at all times.

  MIGHT

• Teachers might give extension only in special circumstances. – Extension might only be given in special circumstances.

  HAVE TO

• I have to and in this assignment by tomorrow. – This assignment has to be handed in by tomorrow.

How to use passive voice with modal verbs?

In the passive voice (To be SUPPOSED TO/ EXPECTED TO/ ALLOWED TO / ASKED TO/ TOLD TO, etc.)

These modal verbs expressions are naturally passive and can be used in different tenses as well.

• The employees are supposed to sign daily timesheets.
• Candidates are expected  to arrive no less than 15 minutes before the start of the examination.
• Guests of the hotel are asked (not to smoke anywhere in the building.
• In the UK, you’re allowed  to vote at the age of 18.
• If you want to use one of the meeting rooms, you’re supposed to book it 48 hours in advance.
• I was asked  not to discuss any details of this report.
• The employees were told to record all their daily task in an electronic calendar.

To practise think of rules and customs that apply to everyone or a group of people and are passed by somebody in the position of authority, a teacher, government, a public institution. In such instances, the agent does not matter, it is the action or request that is the focus. Homework must be handed in on time. Timesheets must be completed. Students are expected to arrive on time, etc.

Make sure you complete our *TT exercises to gain confidence in using the passive voice.

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Grammar Rules

using passive voice with modal verbs

Using passive voice with modal verbs

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