Complete Grammar Syllabus (145 Units)

Grammar Mastery

Comprehensive reference, real-world IELTS band-boosting tips, clear structural formulas, and interactive short quizzes for intermediate to advanced English learners.

Passive Voice & Causative (Have something done)

Focusing on the action and recipient rather than the agent. Using passive forms across all tenses, and causative structures for services.

Core Structure & Formula

Present Simple Passive: am/is/are + Past Participle (This data is analysed every quarter)

Past Simple Passive: was/were + Past Participle (The library was renovated in 2015)

Continuous Passive: am/is/are/was/were + being + Past Participle (A new terminal is being built)

Perfect Passive: have/has/had + been + Past Participle (The proposal has been approved)

Causative: Subject + have/get + Object + Past Participle (We had our laptops repaired)

AWhen to use the Passive

Use the passive when the agent is unknown, obvious, or unimportant, or in objective academic writing.

•This library was renovated in 2015 by a local construction firm.

•A large amount of data was lost during the server outage.

•There's an unusual pattern in these figures. I think they are being monitored closely.

BIt is said that ... / He is supposed to ...

Impersonal reporting structures common in formal news and academic contexts.

•It is said that the reserve is home to rare species. / The reserve is said to be home to rare species.

•The negotiations are expected to end soon.

•The findings are supposed to remain confidential until publication.

CCausative: Have / Get something done

When you arrange for someone else to perform a service for you.

•The department had the projector repaired yesterday. (= they arranged for a technician to do it)

•How often do you have your laptop serviced?

•I need to get my visa application checked.

IELTS Band 7–9 Exam Impact

Imperative for IELTS Academic Writing Task 1 Process Diagrams (describing manufacturing steps) and Task 2 objective academic register.

Common Candidate Errors

✗ I repaired my laptop yesterday at the shop.

✓ I had my laptop repaired yesterday at the shop.

When a professional performs the action for you, use the causative 'have + object + past participle'.

✗ The terminal is building right now.

✓ The terminal is being built right now.

Passive continuous requires 'is being + past participle'.

Unit 42 Interactive Short Quiz

Test your understanding with 3 verified practice exercises.

Question 1 of 3

A new terminal ______ at the airport. It will open next year.

Question 2 of 3

Mei didn't repair the laptop herself. She ______ .

Question 3 of 3

The negotiations ______ to end soon.