The Passive

We use the active form to say what the subject does. For example:

• I speak English every day at work.
• I repaired the flat tire on the car.

We use the passive form to say what happens to people and things, to say what is done to them. For example:

• English is spoken here.
• The car is being repaired.

We use the passive form when we don't know who did the action. For example:

• The car was damaged while it was parked on the street.
• The shirts were made in Turkey.

We use the passive form when what was done is more important than who did it. For example:

• It was approved by Gerry last week.
• I was informed by the Human Resources Manager only two days ago.