Explanation + Extra Activities
5 Different Uses of the Impersonal Passive Voice
The impersonal passive voice is useful in many situations. Here are five important uses explained in simple terms:
1. To Focus on the Action, Not the Doer
In some cases, we want to emphasize what happened rather than who did it. This is common in news reports or when the doer is unknown or unimportant.
Example:
- Active: Someone stole the car.
- Impersonal Passive: The car was stolen.
Here, the focus is on the car being stolen, not on who stole it.
2. To Express a General Truth
The impersonal passive voice is often used to state facts or truths that are generally accepted, without naming specific people or groups.
Example:
- Active: People say that exercise is good for health.
- Impersonal Passive: It is said that exercise is good for health.
This construction makes it clear that it’s a widely accepted truth rather than just one person’s opinion.
3. To Avoid Assigning Blame
When we want to discuss something negative without blaming anyone, the impersonal passive voice helps keep the focus on the issue rather than on individuals.
Example:
- Active: They made a mistake in the report.
- Impersonal Passive: A mistake was made in the report.
In this case, it is not clear who made the mistake, which can help avoid confrontation or blame.
4. To Give Instructions
The impersonal passive voice can be used to give instructions or rules in a clear and formal way, often seen in manuals, guides, or official documents.
Example:
- Active: You must complete the form before submitting it.
- Impersonal Passive: The form must be completed before it is submitted.
This way, the instruction sounds more formal and is directed to everyone, not just one person.
5. To Announce Something Officially
When making official announcements or statements, using the impersonal passive voice sounds more formal and authoritative.
Example:
- Active: The committee has decided to change the rules.
- Impersonal Passive: It has been decided that the rules will be changed.
This construction sounds more formal and makes the decision seem more collective and official.
Summary of Uses:
- Focus on the Action: Emphasizes what happened, not who did it.
- Express a General Truth: States widely accepted facts.
- Avoid Assigning Blame: Discusses issues without blaming individuals.
- Give Instructions: Provides clear and formal guidance.
- Announce Something Officially: Sounds formal and authoritative in announcements.
Using the impersonal passive voice helps convey information in a more neutral, formal, and objective manner.
Extra Practice
Impersonal Passive Voice Quiz
Level 1: Beginner
Instructions: Choose the correct impersonal passive voice form for each sentence.
- The book was _______ (write) last year.
- It is _______ (say) that dogs are loyal animals.
- The homework was _______ (do) by all the students.
- It is _______ (believe) that she will win the race.
- The dishes must be _______ (wash) after dinner.
- The movie was _______ (see) by many people.
- It is _______ (know) that the Earth orbits the Sun.
- The letter was _______ (send) yesterday.
- It is _______ (expect) that it will rain tomorrow.
- The rules must be _______ (follow) by everyone.
- It is _______ (report) that the event was successful.
- The cake was _______ (eat) by the kids.
- It is _______ (think) that exercise is important.
- The project must be _______ (finish) by Friday.
- It is _______ (hope) that you will join us.
Level 1 Answers:
- written
- said
- done
- believed
- washed
- seen
- known
- sent
- expected
- followed
- reported
- eaten
- thought
- finished
- hoped
Level 2: Intermediate
Instructions: Complete each sentence using the impersonal passive voice.
- It is _______ (suggest) that everyone attends the meeting.
- The guidelines were _______ (change) last month.
- It is _______ (notice) that prices have increased.
- The results will be _______ (announce) next week.
- It is _______ (claim) that the new policy will improve efficiency.
- The presentation should be _______ (prepare) carefully.
- It was _______ (decide) that the event will be held online.
- It is _______ (report) that the team won the championship.
- The invitations have been _______ (send) out.
- It is _______ (believe) that hard work leads to success.
- The repairs are being _______ (complete) at the moment.
- It is _______ (ask) that you arrive early for the session.
- The findings were _______ (publish) in a scientific journal.
- It is _______ (advise) to check the weather before leaving.
- It was _______ (agree) that the meeting would be rescheduled.
Level 2 Answers:
- suggested
- changed
- noticed
- announced
- claimed
- prepared
- decided
- reported
- sent
- believed
- completed
- asked
- published
- advised
- agreed
Level 3: Advanced
Instructions: Rewrite each sentence using the impersonal passive voice.
- The committee decided to increase the budget.
- They believe that climate change is a serious issue.
- The teacher has assigned the project to the students.
- The manager expects that the new strategy will improve sales.
- The doctor has recommended that you take a break.
- They think that the movie is a great success.
- The board will review the proposals next week.
- They announced that the event would be canceled due to rain.
- The team believes that they can win the game.
- The city council has approved the new plan.
- They reported that the new policy would take effect soon.
- The company will inform the employees about the changes.
- The committee recommended that all members participate.
- They think that the project will be completed on time.
- The scientist has discovered that the treatment is effective.
Level 3 Answers:
- It was decided that the budget would be increased.
- It is believed that climate change is a serious issue.
- The project has been assigned to the students.
- It is expected that the new strategy will improve sales.
- It has been recommended that you take a break.
- It is thought that the movie is a great success.
- The proposals will be reviewed next week.
- It was announced that the event would be canceled due to rain.
- It is believed that the team can win the game.
- The new plan has been approved.
- It was reported that the new policy would take effect soon.
- The employees will be informed about the changes.
- It was recommended that all members participate.
- It is thought that the project will be completed on time.
- It has been discovered that the treatment is effective.