Question 1

How do you form negative sentences in the passive voice?

Accepted Answer

To form a negative passive sentence, add "not" after the auxiliary verb (be). For example: "The letter is not (isn't) sent" (present simple), "The car was not (wasn't) repaired" (past simple), "The report has not been (hasn't been) finished" (present perfect). The structure is: Subject + be (+ not) + past participle.

Question 2

What is the difference between "isn't being" and "wasn't being" in passive voice?

Accepted Answer

"Isn't being" is used for present continuous passive negatives (e.g., "The house isn't being painted right now"), while "wasn't being" is used for past continuous passive negatives (e.g., "The house wasn't being painted when I arrived"). Both indicate ongoing actions at different times.

Question 3

Can you use contractions in negative passive sentences?

Accepted Answer

Yes, contractions are commonly used in spoken and informal written English. Examples: "isn't written", "wasn't sent", "hasn't been completed", "won't be delivered". In formal writing, the full forms "is not", "was not", etc. are often preferred.

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Present Simple Passive

Past Simple Passive

Passive with Modals

Conditionals

Present Perfect

Reported Speech

Passive Voice Negatives Exercises