grammar · academic
modal + be + past participle
Modal passive: use a modal verb + be + past participle to show necessity, possibility, obligation in passive form.
Examples
“The issue should be discussed at the next meeting.”
“New safety measures must be implemented immediately.”
“The data can be accessed online by registered users.”
Band 8 sentence
“Immediate action must be taken and the contaminated sites should be cleaned up by the end of the year.”
Collocations
- should/shouldn't be + V3
- must/should/shouldn't/can be + V3
Common mistakes
The report should discussed.→The report should be discussed.
The rules must implemented.→The rules must be implemented.
Say it for a higher band
5omit 'be' after modal (should discussed)→6use active modal (should discuss)→7+modal + be + past participle
Easily confused
modal + have + past participle (modal perfect)
“The regulations should have been enforced earlier.”
Related words
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In The passive
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