Simple Ways to Convert Sentences from Active Voice to Passive Voice with Modal Verbs in English
By Author Giljonnys Dias da Silva
In English, sentences can be structured in two main voices: active voice and passive voice. The voice of a sentence refers to whether the subject performs the action (active voice) or receives the action (passive voice). When modal verbs are involved, the transformation from active to passive voice requires careful attention to verb forms, particularly the use of the auxiliary verb to be and the past participle of the main verb.
In this article, we'll discuss the simple steps to convert sentences from active voice to passive voice with modal verbs. We will also provide examples to help you understand the process more clearly, along with translations into Brazilian Portuguese.
Understanding Active and Passive Voice with Modal Verbs
1. Active Voice: In the active voice, the subject of the sentence performs the action of the verb. The basic structure is:
Subject + Modal Verb + Main Verb + Object
Active Voice:
She can write a letter.
Ela pode escrever uma carta.
In this example, "She" is the subject, and she is performing the action of writing.
2. Passive Voice: In the passive voice, the subject receives the action of the verb. The focus shifts from the doer (subject) to the receiver (object). The basic structure in passive voice is:
Subject + Modal Verb + "to be" (conjugated) + Past Participle of the Main Verb + (by + Agent)
Passive Voice:
A letter can be written by her.
Um carta pode ser escrito por ela.
Here, the object (a letter) is the subject of the sentence, and the action of writing is received by it.
Steps to Convert Active Voice to Passive Voice with Modal Verbs
1. Identify the Modal Verb: The first step is to identify the modal verb in the active sentence. Modal verbs include: can, could, may, might, must, shall, should, will, would, etc.
2. Identify the Main Verb: Determine the main verb in the sentence that is being modified by the modal verb.
3. Rearrange the Sentence Structure: To convert from active to passive voice, follow these steps:
Place the object of the active sentence as the subject of the passive sentence.
Insert the modal verb.
Add the verb "to be" in the correct tense and form. The tense of "to be" matches the tense of the original sentence.
Use the past participle of the main verb. This form is used regardless of the tense.
Add the original subject as the agent (optional), introduced by "by."
Examples of Converting Active Voice to Passive Voice with Modal Verbs
Let's go through some examples of converting sentences from active to passive voice with modal verbs.
Active Voice:
She can write a letter.
Ela pode escrever uma carta.
Passive Voice:
A letter can be written by her.
Uma carta pode ser escrita por ela.
Active Voice:
They must complete the project by Friday.
Eles devem completar o projeto até sexta-feira.
Passive Voice:
The project must be completed by Friday.
O projeto deve ser concluído até sexta-feira.
Active Voice:
She should invite John to the party.
Ela deve convidar o João para a festa.
Passive Voice:
John should be invited to the party.
João deveria ser convidado para a festa.
Active Voice:
We can finish the work today.
Nós podemos terminar o trabalho hoje.
Passive Voice:
The work can be finished today.
O trabalho pode ser terminado hoje.
Active Voice:
They might send the letter tomorrow.
Eles podiam enviar a carta amanhã.
Passive Voice:
The letter might be sent tomorrow.
A carta pode ser enviada amanhã.
General Rules for Using Modal Verbs in Passive Voice
Modal + Verb "to be": After the modal verb, always include the verb to be in the correct form.
Past Participle of the Main Verb: The main verb must be in its past participle form in the passive voice, regardless of the original tense.
Agent (optional): The agent (the person or thing performing the action) can be included after the passive verb using "by" (e.g., "by him," "by her," "by the team"), but it is often omitted when not necessary or when the focus is on the action or the object.
In conclusion, converting sentences from active to passive voice with modal verbs might seem complex at first, but with practice, it becomes an easier process. The key is understanding the roles of the modal verb, the verb to be, and the past participle of the main verb. By following the simple steps outlined in this guide, you will be able to form passive voice sentences with modal verbs confidently, making your English communication more versatile and effective.
Bibliographic References
Azar, B. S. (2002). Understanding and Using English Grammar (3rd ed.). Pearson Education.
This comprehensive grammar book provides detailed explanations of active and passive voice, including how to use modal verbs in different sentence constructions.
Murphy, R. (2019). English Grammar in Use (5th ed.). Cambridge University Press.
A well-known resource for learners of English, this book explains the rules of passive voice and modal verbs with clear examples and exercises for practice.
Quirk, R., Greenbaum, S., Leech, G., & Svartvik, J. (1985). A Comprehensive Grammar of the English Language. Longman.
This authoritative grammar guide offers a thorough discussion on English sentence structures, including passive voice with modals.
Practical English Usage (3rd ed.) (2009). Michael Swan. Oxford University Press.
A practical guide to common grammar issues, this book addresses the use of passive voice and modal verbs in various contexts, including their combination in sentences.
Thornbury, S. (2006). How to Teach Grammar. Pearson Education.
This teaching resource discusses various methods for explaining grammatical concepts, including how to teach active and passive voice with modal verbs.
Celce-Murcia, M., & Larsen-Freeman, D. (1999). The Grammar Book: An ESL/EFL Teacher's Course (2nd ed.). Heinle & Heinle.
This book is a valuable reference for ESL teachers and provides extensive information on grammar structures, including passive voice and modal verbs in context.
Biber, D., Conrad, S., & Leech, G. (2002). Longman Grammar of Spoken and Written English. Longman.
A detailed resource that covers both spoken and written English grammar, including discussions on the usage of modal verbs in active and passive voice constructions.
Swan, M. (2005). Practical English Usage (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press.
This reference book offers clear, simple explanations and examples on various English grammar topics, including passive voice with modals.
Eastwood, J. (1994). Oxford Practice Grammar: Intermediate. Oxford University Press.
This grammar guide contains practical exercises and explanations on both active and passive voice, including the use of modal verbs.