Grammar: The passive p. 118

To write a C1 essay it is important to use a formal style, which the passive form can help you achieve. So, let's make the sentences 'essay-ready'. Rewrite them in the passive form, but also change the informal verbs in bold with the formal academic synonyms provided.


1 We will get rid of this virus within the next decade.
ERADICATED
This virus ________ within the next decade.

2 The lab has started the second phase of the experiment.
INITIATED
The second phase of the experiment ________.

3 The hospital should have given the antibiotics much earlier to stop the infection.
ADMINISTERED
________ much earlier to stop the infection.

4 Scientists warned governments against blocking the production of Golden Rice.
OBSTRUCTING
Governments ________ the production of Golden Rice.

5 The GP had sent the patient to A&E before the situation became critical.
TRANSFERRED
________ to A&E by the GP before the situation became critical.

6 The research team looked into the long-term prognosis for patients with the rare condition.
INVESTIGATED
The long-term prognosis for patients with the rare condition ________.

The passive is particularly suited for describing processes. Help Dan complete the lab instructions on how to do an experiment on DNA extraction with the correct active or passive form of the verbs below.

add ● crush ● filter ● precipitate ● dissolve ● collect

First, the strawberry ________ inside a plastic bag until it becomes a pulp. This physical action breaks the tough plant cell walls. Next, a salty soap solution ________ the fatty membranes of the cells. The resulting mashed fruit ________ to remove the large chunks of seeds and pulp. Carefully, ice-cold ethanol ________ to the clear liquid. Because DNA is not soluble in alcohol, it ________ out of the liquid as a white, cloudy substance. Finally, the white DNA fibres ________ using a toothpick.

Match each of the following passive sentences (1-6) with their use (A-F). Write the correct letter in the gaps.

1 Next, the blood samples are sent to the lab. ________
2 The data from Pete's laptop must have been stolen. ________
3 It is widely thought that natural remedies are beneficial. ________
4 Passengers are kindly reminded to remain seated with their seatbelts on. ________
5 The van was held up by some armed robbers. ________

A to describe an action when the person who did it is unknown
B to emphasise the action / result rather than the person
C to explain processes, procedures and give instructions
D to say what people tend to say, believe, expect
E to report requests or instructions with certain verbs

Complete the second sentence so that it has a similar meaning to the first sentence, using the word given. Do not change the word given. You must use between three and six words, including the word given. Here is an example (0).

Example: 0 The breakthrough came as a surprise to the scientist.
WAS
The scientist was surprised by the breakthrough.

1 Social media apps use our personal data to make money.
IS
________ social media apps to make money.

2 Researchers are conducting trials on a new vaccine.
BY
Trials on a new vaccine ________ .

3 They encouraged the students to prepare well for their lab exam.
TO
________ well for their lab exam.

4 By 2030, scientists will have developed a more efficient solar cell.
BEEN
By 2030, a more efficient solar cell ________.

5 The paramedics had stabilised the patient before they reached the hospital.
BY
The patient ________ the paramedics before they reached the hospital.

6 The medical board will probably have approved the groundbreaking therapy by the end of the year.
MAY
By the end of the year, the groundbreaking therapy ________ the medical board.