English Passive Voice - Part 2

Overview

This unit introduces more complex components of the passive voice.

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Am/Is/Are being  (present continuous passive)

We can also use the passive voice in combination with the present continuous passive.
We typically use the present continuous passive to describe something that is being done at the moment. It’s formed by using “to be” twice.[Am/is/are]

+ being + past participle.

I       am being          helped.

Examples

  • The people are being rained on.
  • Support groups are being used to help people.
  • She is being immunized today.
  • They are not being immunized.
  • His hearing is being checked regularly.
  • They are being given fluids at the moment.
  • The doctors are being supported by the nurses.

Has/have been (present perfect passive) 

The present perfect passive is used when something has been done by someone before sometime in the past. [Have/has]

+ been + past participle.

I        have been               helped.

Examples

  • These people have been interested in medical attention for 2 hours.
  • I have been given a support group to talk to.
  • She has been spoken to by a therapist.
  • The therapist has been spoken to by all the patients.
  • Contact lenses have been sold here for 5 years.
  • Depression has been cited in many cases.
  • Hearing loss has been caused by loud music.

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Common European Framework of Reference for Languages

The CEFR is an international standard used to describe language ability. Here are specific details of the CEFR for this topic.

General Explanation:
Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. Can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.
Specific Capabilities at this Level
Writing:
I can write short, simple notes and messages relating to matters in areas of immediate needs. I can write a very simple personal letter, for example thanking someone for something.
Spoken Production:
I can use a series of phrases and sentences to describe in simple terms my family and other people, living conditions, my educational background and my present or most recent job.
Spoken Interaction:
I can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar topics and activities. I can handle very short social exchanges, even though I can’t usually understand enough to keep the conversation going myself.
Reading:
I can read very short, simple texts. I can find specific, predictable information in simple everyday material such as advertisements, prospectuses, menus and timetables and I can understand short simple personal letters.
Listening:
I can understand phrases and the highest frequency vocabulary related to areas of most immediate personal relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local area, employment). I can catch the main point in short, clear, simple messages and announcements.