GV

Passive Voice with Modals

Modal + be + past participle: can be done, must be seen, should be finished

intermediate

To form the passive voice with a modal verb, use modal + be + past participle: 'It can be done', 'The work must be finished', 'The report should be reviewed'. For past meaning, use modal + have been + past participle: 'It should have been done'.

When to Use Passive Voice with Modals

  • •Ability: It can be done. The problem can be solved.
  • •Obligation: It must be finished by Friday. Rules must be followed.
  • •Advice: It should be checked. The report should be reviewed.
  • •Possibility: It might be delayed. The meeting could be cancelled.
  • •Future: It will be completed soon. The work will be done.

How to Form Passive Voice with Modals

Affirmative (+)

Subject + modal + be + past participle

Negative (-)

Subject + modal + not + be + past participle

Question (?)

Modal + subject + be + past participle?

💡 Modal + be (not 'been'). Perfect: modal + have been + past participle.

Examples of Passive Voice with Modals

✓The work must be finished.

✗The work must be finish.

Past participle after 'be'.

✓It can't be done.

✗It can't been done.

Modal + be (not been).

✓Should it be sent today?

✗Should it been sent today?

Be, not been, after modal.

Common Mistakes with Passive Voice with Modals

💡 Practice Tips for Passive Voice with Modals

  • • Formula: modal + be + past participle.
  • • Can be done, must be seen, should be finished.
  • • Perfect passive: modal + have been + V3 (should have been done).
  • • Common modals: can, could, may, might, must, should, will, would.
Quick Quiz
  1. 1.The work must   before Friday.
  2. 2.Don't worry — that problem can   easily.
  3. Question 3: This document should blank (sign) before tomorrow.
    3.This document should (sign) before tomorrow.
  4. Question 4: These rules must blank (follow) by all employees.
    4.These rules must (follow) by all employees.
  5. Question 5: The meeting might blank (delay) due to bad weather.
    5.The meeting might (delay) due to bad weather.
  6. Question 6: I'm sorry — that letter should blank (send) yesterday. (past meaning)
    6.I'm sorry — that letter should (send) yesterday. (past meaning)
  7. Question 7: Can it blank (do) by next week? — Yes, we'll try.
    7.Can it (do) by next week? — Yes, we'll try.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Passive Voice with Modals