The Simple Passive Tense

Many actions can be expressed in either an active or passive tense.

• Active
  People usually drink coffee in the morning.
• Passive
  Coffee is usually drunk in the morning.
• Active
  Farmers plant most crops in spring.
• Passive
  Most crops are planted in spring.

The passive tense is used when the subject is not known or important.

• English is taught in most schools.
• Computers are used in almost every profession.

The passive tense uses a BE verb followed by the past participle form of a verb, which usually is a verb with an -ED ending.

• My road is scheduled for repairs.
• That dish is served with a side of rice.

Some verbs have an irregular form for the past participle.

• Our staff meeting is held in the conference room.
• Pizza is eaten with a fork in some countries.