Passive Forms of Past Tenses: A Detailed Guide

Tenses

Active Forms

Passive Forms

Simple Past

Sub + V2

Sub + was/were + V3

Past Continuous

Sub + was/were + Verb-ing form

 Sub + was/were + being + V3

Past Perfect

Sub + had + V3

Sub + had + been + V3

Past Perfect Continuous

Sub + had + been + Verb-ing form

No passive voice

Change the following into passive voice:

1. A mob was pulling down the old buildings.

2. By the time yesterday, they had discussed the matter.

3. People thronged the street.

4. The people welcomed the president.

5. They were painting the house white.

Solution:

1. The old buildings were being pulled down.

2. By the time yesterday, the matter had been discussed.

3. The street was thronged with people.

4. The president was welcomed by the people.

5. The house was being painted white.