Passive voice - Examples and exercises

Ejemplo resuelto
Transform to passive: "Scientists discovered a new species."

Solution: "A new species was discovered (by scientists)." Passive: object becomes subject + be (in the same tense) + past participle. The agent (by...) is optional.

Ejemplo resuelto
Impersonal passive: "People say that he is a genius."

Solution: Two options: 1) "It is said that he is a genius." 2) "He is said to be a genius." The second form is more common in formal English and EVAU exams. Also: It is believed..., He is thought to..., She is known to...

Ejemplo resuelto
Passive with modals: "They must finish the project."

Solution: "The project must be finished." Modal passives: modal + be + past participle. "This can be done." "The letter should have been sent."

Ejercicios
1. Transform to passive: a) They are building a new hospital. b) She has written three novels. c) They will announce the results tomorrow. d) Someone stole my wallet. e) You must hand in homework on time.
2. Rewrite with impersonal passive: a) People believe that exercise is good for health. b) They say that the company is closing.
3. Complete with passive: "This cathedral ___ (build) in the 15th century."
4. When do we use passive voice? List 3 reasons (agent unknown, focus on action, formal writing).
5. Translate: a) Se dice que es el mejor restaurante. b) La carta fue enviada ayer. c) El proyecto debe terminarse mañana.