Level A2

Present Passive

Present Passive: am, is, or are plus the third form, when what happens to the thing matters more than who does it. English is spoken here. These cars are made in Japan. Don't forget is or are: This tool is used in the kitchen.

English is spoken here.

Look: English is spoken here. It's not who speaks that matters, but the language.

Forms

• English is spoken here. — a thing: is + third form
• These cars are made in Japan. — many things: are + third form
• The windows are washed on Fridays. — regular action words: third form in -ed

A common mistake

Wrong: This tool used in the kitchen.

Right: This tool is used in the kitchen.

A common mistake is to forget is or are. We say: This tool is used in the kitchen.

More examples

This book is written in English.

Write becomes written: This book is written in English.

Rice is eaten in many countries.

Eat becomes eaten: Rice is eaten in many countries.