The passive

20 words

1. 1

   be composed of + noun phrasegrammar

   used to describe the parts or elements that something is made from

   “The committee is composed of representatives from each department.”

2. 2

   be made of / be made from + noungrammar

   'made of' describes material that remains recognizable; 'made from' describes material changed into something new

   “The chair is made of solid oak.”

3. 3

   with + noun + past participlegrammar frame

   A prepositional phrase: with + noun + past participle. It gives background information (a state/result) relating to the main clause.

   “With the roads blocked, commuters faced long delays.”

4. 4

   be known for + noun / V-inggrammar

   used to say that someone or something has a particular quality or is famous because of something

   “The city is known for its lively nightlife.”

5. 5

   be found to + Vgrammar

   Used in reports/research to say that something was discovered to be the case.

   “The study found that the drug was effective; the patients were found to recover faster.”

6. 6

   be responsible for + noun / V-inggrammar

   used to say that someone or something has a duty for or is the cause of something

   “Teachers are responsible for assessing student progress.”

7. 7

   be associated with + noun / V-inggrammar

   used to say that something has a connection or relationship with something else

   “High sugar intake is often associated with obesity.”

8. 8

   be made to + Vgrammar

   Passive of 'make': someone is forced or required to do something.

   “Students are made to wear uniforms at that school.”

9. 9

   modal + have + been + past participlegrammar frame

   A modal verb + have + been + past participle expresses past passive speculation or deduction (e.g. 'must have been stolen').

   “The documents must have been destroyed during the conflict.”

10. 10

    be subject to + noungrammar

    used to say that something is likely to be affected by something, or depends on something

    “All contracts are subject to approval by the board.”

11. 11

    be allowed to + Vgrammar

    Passive of 'allow': someone is given permission to do something.

    “Visitors are allowed to take photos in some parts of the gallery.”

12. 12

    be said to + Vgrammar

    used to report what people say or think without naming a source

    “The ancient manuscript is said to contain secret recipes.”

13. 13

    be prevented from + V-inggrammar

    Passive pattern meaning someone was stopped or blocked from doing something.

    “Protesters were prevented from entering the building by security guards.”

14. 14

    be encouraged to + Vgrammar

    Passive of 'encourage': someone is advised or supported to do something.

    “Employees are encouraged to report any safety concerns.”

15. 15

    be reported to + V / be reported to have + Vppgrammar

    used to say that newspapers or officials say something; use 'to have + past participle' for earlier events

    “The factory is reported to have released toxic waste into the river.”

16. 16

    be accused of + V-inggrammar

    Passive of 'accuse': someone is charged or blamed for doing something.

    “He was accused of stealing office supplies.”

17. 17

    be believed to + Vgrammar

    used when people generally think something is true (stronger belief than mere rumor)

    “The painting is believed to date from the 18th century.”

18. 18

    be known to + Vgrammar

    used when something is established or verified as true

    “The region is known to suffer from seasonal flooding.”

19. 19

    be thought to + Vgrammar

    used to express a general opinion or supposition about something

    “The structure is thought to date from the Roman period.”

20. 20

    be claimed to + Vgrammar

    used to report that someone has asserted something; often implies the statement may be disputed

    “The device is claimed to reduce energy use by up to 30%.”