Question 1

How do I form the past simple passive?

Accepted Answer

The past simple passive is formed with was/were + past participle. Use "was" with singular subjects (I, he, she, it) and "were" with plural subjects (we, you, they). For example: "The letter was written yesterday" or "The cars were sold last week."

Question 2

When do I use was vs were in passive voice?

Accepted Answer

Use "was" with singular subjects: I was invited, he was told, she was given, it was broken. Use "were" with plural subjects and "you": we were asked, you were chosen, they were built.

Question 3

How do I change active to passive in past simple?

Accepted Answer

To change active to passive: 1) Move the object to subject position, 2) Add was/were based on the new subject, 3) Change the verb to past participle, 4) Optionally add "by + agent". Example: "Shakespeare wrote the play" becomes "The play was written by Shakespeare."

Continue Practicing

Present Simple Passive

Passive Negatives

Passive with Modals

Conditionals

Present Perfect

Reported Speech

Past Simple Passive Voice Exercises