English grammar · Class 8
Passive voice in more tenses (and with modals)
Every passive is a form of 'be' plus the past participle. To change the tense, change only the form of 'be' — the past participle stays the same.
Foundation lesson (not tied to a printed syllabus list). Passive voice is not in the CBSE Class 9/10 grammar list for 2026-27; it is a common foundation topic.
The rules
1. Present / past continuous: am / is / are / was / were + being + past participle.
- The road is being repaired.
- The match was being shown on TV.
2. Present / past perfect: have / has / had + been + past participle.
- The results have been declared.
- The bridge had been built before the flood.
3. Future and modals: will / can / must / should + be + past participle.
- The book will be released next week.
- Plastic must be recycled.
- This problem can be solved.
4. Leave out 'by …' when the doer is unknown, obvious or unimportant.
- My bicycle was stolen. (we don't know who)
- Rice is grown in Punjab.
Common mistakes
The house is being build.
The house is being built.
Use the past participle (built).
The work has done.
The work has been done.
The perfect passive needs been.
This rule must followed.
This rule must be followed.
After a modal, the passive needs be + past participle.
Practice
1. Passive of: 'They are building a new school.'
2. Passive of: 'Someone has stolen my bag.'
3. The homework must ___ by Monday.
4. The letters ___ when I reached the post office.
5. Passive of: 'The principal will announce the results.'
Made by Shishya (AI-assisted); every answer checked by hand when written. Topic list for Class 9 and 10 from the CBSE 2026-27 English syllabus.