What are Passive Voice with Modal Verbs?
Passive voice with modals combines modal verbs (can, could, must, should, may, might, will) with the passive form to express possibility, obligation, permission, or necessity on the action rather than the doer. It's essential in formal English for expressing requirements, assumptions, and conditional actions.
Passive with modals is formed as 'modal + be + past participle' (e.g. 'The report must be submitted by Friday'). It expresses what must/can/should happen to the object, emphasizing the action's requirement or possibility.
- •You must submit the report.
- •They can complete the project.
- •She should write the email.
- •The report must be submitted.
- •The project can be completed.
- •The email should be written.
Step-by-step worked examples
Active: Students must complete the homework by Friday.
Shift focus to the homework (object), not students (doer). Modal: must Passive form: 'be + past participle' (completed) Result: The homework must be completed by Friday. Note: 'by Friday' now emphasizes the deadline for the task itself.
Active: The company can expand to three countries.
Modal: can (possibility) Active emphasizes the company's ability. Passive emphasizes the expansion. Passive: Three countries can be expanded to by the company. Or (more natural, omitting agent): The expansion can be completed in three countries.
Active: We should discuss the proposal.
Modal: should (advice) Passive: The proposal should be discussed. Usage: In formal meetings, 'The proposal should be discussed by next week' is more formal than 'We should discuss...'
Flashcards
Quick quiz
Q1.Passive with modal: 'The meeting could be rescheduled'— which modal?
Q2.Active: 'You should follow the guidelines.' Passive is:
Q3.'Research must be conducted ethically.' Modal here means:
Q4.Which is correct passive with modal?
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Common mistakes
Omitting 'be' in passive with modal: The report must submitted. — Correct: The report must be submitted (modal + be + past participle).
Using participle before 'be': The task can completed be. — Correct: The task can be completed.
Confusing active modal with passive: He must study = He study must be. — Correct: Keep active if the focus is the subject's obligation: He must study. Use passive to focus on the task: The material must be studied.
Passive modal with active participle: The files might copy. — Correct: The files might be copied (passive participle past, not present).
FAQ
What are passive voice with modals?
Combining modal verbs (can, must, should, etc.) with passive voice (be + past participle) to express what must/can/should happen to an object, not what the doer must/can/should do.
Formula for passive with modals?
Modal + be + past participle. Examples: 'must be signed', 'can be downloaded', 'should be discussed', 'might be delayed'.
When do I use passive with modals?
In formal/academic writing when expressing obligation, possibility, or permission on the action itself. Example: 'All applications must be submitted by noon' (focus: deadline for submissions).
Difference: active vs. passive modal?
Active: 'You should follow the rules' (focus on you). Passive: 'The rules should be followed' (focus on the rules and compliance).