Intermediate Grammar
Master English grammar one unit at a time. Clear notes, then 40+ interactive exercises with instant feedback – based on the topics in English Grammar in Use (Intermediate).
is done / was done – Passive 1“be + past participle · present: am/is/are done · past: was/were done · by + who does it” – 44 interactive questions
📖 Grammar Reference – is done / was done – Passive 1
Study the notes, then work through the six exercises.
1 Tier 1 – The Concept & Nuance: Focusing on the Receiver of the Action
In passive sentences, the object of an active sentence becomes the subject. We use the passive when the action is more important than who did it, or when the agent is unknown.
– “Butter is made from milk.”
– “How many rooms are cleaned every day?”
– “The house was built in 1965.”
– “We were invited to the wedding.”
2 Tier 2 – The ‘BY’ Agent in Passives
Use by only when mentioning the specific agent who did the action is essential:
– “This portrait was painted by Leonardo da Vinci.”
– Omit ‘by’ when obvious or unimportant: “He was arrested last night.” (NOT by the police).
3 Tier 3 – Top 3 Common Learner Pitfalls
– Rule: Plural subjects (letters) require were, not was.
– Rule: Passives must always include the auxiliary verb be (were built).
– Rule: Use by for the human actor; use with for an instrument/tool.
Made with care for English learners · allenglish4u.com
Original practice material inspired by the English Grammar in Use syllabus (Cambridge University Press). Example sentences and exercises are written by All English 4U.