Mastering Passive Voice: Examples and Transformations

Here are some examples of active sentences transformed into passive sentences:

• Active: The policeman did not allow us to enter the museum at night.
  Passive: We were not allowed to enter the museum at night.
• Active: The old lady told us an incredible story.
  Passive: We were told an incredible story.
• Active: A beggar asked me for a meal and a glass of water.
  Passive: I was asked for a meal and a glass of water.
• Active: Charles always lends me his books.
  Passive: I am always lent books.
• Active: We will forbid John to go to the party with Mike.
  Passive: John will be forbidden to go to the party with Mike.
• Active: Sally is offering you an interesting job.
  Passive: You are being offered an interesting job.
• Active: The doctors gave the children artificial respiration.
  Passive: The children were given artificial respiration.
• Active: I have offered my brother a large sum of money.
  Passive: My brother has been offered a large sum of money.
• Active: The hotel manager brought us the keys.
  Passive: We were brought the keys.
• Active: Susan and Mary did not tell me that Frank was ill.
  Passive: I was not told that Frank was ill.
• Active: The doctor would allow Mr. Wilkins to go home.
  Passive: Mr. Wilkins would be allowed to go home.
• Active: My father showed my cousin how to use the computer.
  Passive: My cousin was shown how to use the computer.
• Active: The new delivery boy has brought me the big parcel.
  Passive: I have been brought the big parcel.
• Active: The optician is showing my grandmother the glasses.
  Passive: My grandmother is being shown the glasses.
• Active: My mother should tell my brother never to do that again.
  Passive: My brother should be told never to do that again.
• Active: Mrs. Alison gave the baby-sitter some last-minute instructions.
  Passive: The baby-sitter was given some last-minute instructions.

Vocabulary:
Purse = monedero, Trend = tendencia, Straight = derecho, Lavish = lujoso, Wille = desear, Bear = oso, Beard = barba, Blurs = borroso, Stench = hedor, Tantalising = tentadora, Weak = débil, Seashell = concha, Firm = empresa/endurecer, Trigger = provocar, Scent = olor, Nasty = feo/horrible, Weird = extraño