FORMING PASSIVE WITH MODALS

Forming Passive With Modals

Affirmative Form	Object + may, must, can, could, ought to, should + be + verb3
Question Form	Must, may, can, should, might + object + be + verb3 (past participle)

Something must / can / should… be done by someone at sometime.

Active : Our English teacher may give an exam today.

Passive : An exam may be given by our English teacher today.

Active : Thomas has written many books.

Passive : Many books have been written by Thomas.

Active : Do you have to pay the bill before leaving the restaurant?

Passive : the bill have to be paid before leaving the restaurant?

Active : Juan can give them some information about the job.

Passive : Some information can be given about the job by Juan.

Passive2: They can be given some information about the JOB by Juan.

Active : You must obey the traffic rules.

Passive : The traffic rules must be obeyed.

Quick Exercise

Put the following sentences into passive voice. (Modals)

1. .     We may ask him a few questions.
2. .       I can manage a motor car.
3. .       You must inquire the way.
4. .       He might give you a chance.
5. .       I could show you his house if you would permit me.
6. .       I should enjoy a sea-voyage.

Answer :

1. .       A few questions may be asked by him.
2. .       A motor car can be managed.
3. .       The way must be inquired.
4. .       A chance might be given.
5. .       His house can be shown to you is you would permit.
6. .       A sea-voyage should be enjoyed.