5 Rewrite the sentences in the Passive. Mind the tenses. Omit the agent where necessary.

Exercise 5: Rewriting Sentences in the Passive Voice

Here are the sentences rewritten in the passive voice, paying attention to tenses and omitting the agent when not essential.

1. They will open the opera house next week.

• Passive: The opera house will be opened next week.


• Explanation: The original sentence is in Future Simple (Active). The passive form uses 'will be opened'. The agent 'they' is omitted as it's unclear and unimportant.

2. They didn't invite him to the party.

• Passive: He wasn't invited to the party.


• Explanation: The original sentence is in Past Simple (Negative, Active). The passive form uses 'wasn't invited'. The agent 'they' is omitted.

3. The chef is preparing the food.

• Passive: The food is being prepared (by the chef).


• Explanation: The original sentence is in Present Continuous (Active). The passive form uses 'is being prepared'. The agent 'the chef' can be included but is often omitted if the context is clear.

4. Donna Karan designed the costumes.

• Passive: The costumes were designed (by Donna Karan).


• Explanation: The original sentence is in Past Simple (Active). The passive form uses 'were designed'. The agent 'Donna Karan' can be included.

5. The editor hasn't checked the article yet.

• Passive: The article hasn't been checked yet (by the editor).


• Explanation: The original sentence is in Present Perfect (Negative, Active). The passive form uses 'hasn't been checked'. The agent 'the editor' can be included.