Understanding the passive voice in the future indefinite tense is crucial for mastering English grammar. This grammatical structure allows us to shift the focus from the doer of an action to the receiver, adding nuance and flexibility to our communication.
The future indefinite passive voice is particularly useful when we want to emphasize what will be done, rather than who will do it. This article is designed for English language learners of all levels, from beginners seeking a solid foundation to advanced students aiming to refine their understanding and usage.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Definition of Passive Voice in Future Indefinite Tense
- Structural Breakdown
- Types and Categories
- Examples
- Usage Rules
- Common Mistakes
- Practice Exercises
- Advanced Topics
- FAQ
- Conclusion
Introduction
The passive voice is a fundamental aspect of English grammar, offering a different perspective on how we construct sentences and convey information. In the future indefinite tense, the passive voice helps us express actions that will be performed on a subject in the future, without necessarily specifying who or what will perform the action.
This grammatical structure is particularly useful when the actor is unknown, unimportant, or obvious from the context. Mastering this tense allows for more sophisticated and nuanced communication, enabling speakers and writers to emphasize the outcome or receiver of an action.
This article provides a comprehensive guide to understanding and using the passive voice in the future indefinite tense. It breaks down the structure, explores various examples, clarifies usage rules, highlights common mistakes, and offers practice exercises to solidify your understanding.
Whether you are a beginner or an advanced learner, this resource will equip you with the knowledge and skills necessary to confidently use this important grammatical concept.
Definition of Passive Voice in Future Indefinite Tense
The passive voice in the future indefinite tense describes an action that will be done to a subject in the future. It shifts the focus from the actor (the one performing the action) to the recipient of the action.
This is achieved by using a form of the auxiliary verb “will be” followed by the past participle of the main verb. Understanding this tense involves grasping its function, classification, and the contexts in which it is most appropriately used.
Classification
Grammatically, the passive voice in the future indefinite tense is classified as a verb construction. It belongs to the broader category of passive voice constructions, which are used to emphasize the object or recipient of an action rather than the subject or performer.
This specific tense indicates that the action will occur at some point in the future, without specifying a precise time.
Function
The primary function of the passive voice in the future indefinite tense is to describe an action that will be performed on a particular subject in the future. It is particularly useful when the actor is unknown, unimportant, or evident from the context.
It can also be used to avoid assigning blame or responsibility, or to create a more formal or objective tone. For example, instead of saying “Someone will clean the room,” you might say “The room will be cleaned,” focusing on the state of the room rather than the person doing the cleaning.
Contexts
The passive voice in the future indefinite tense is frequently used in various contexts, including:
- News reports: “The new bridge will be opened next month.”
- Announcements: “The winners will be announced tomorrow.”
- Instructions: “The instructions will be followed carefully.”
- Predictions: “The weather will be affected by the storm.”
- Formal writing: “The research will be conducted by a team of experts.”
Structural Breakdown
The structure of the passive voice in the future indefinite tense follows a specific pattern. Understanding each component of this structure is crucial for constructing grammatically correct sentences.
The basic formula for forming the passive voice in the future indefinite tense is:
Subject + will be + past participle
Let’s break down each element:
- Subject: This is the noun or pronoun that receives the action. It is the thing that is acted upon.
- Will be: This is the auxiliary verb that indicates future tense and passive voice. “Will” denotes the future, and “be” is the base form of the verb “to be,” which is essential for forming the passive voice.
- Past Participle: This is the form of the main verb that indicates a completed action. It is usually formed by adding “-ed” to regular verbs (e.g., cleaned, painted), but irregular verbs have unique past participle forms (e.g., taken, written, seen).
For example:
- The house will be painted. (The house is the subject; will be is the auxiliary verb; painted is the past participle.)
- The documents will be signed. (The documents are the subject; will be is the auxiliary verb; signed is the past participle.)
- The cake will be eaten. (The cake is the subject; will be is the auxiliary verb; eaten is the past participle.)
To include the agent (the person or thing performing the action) in the passive voice, use the preposition “by” followed by the agent:
Subject + will be + past participle + by + agent
For example:
- The house will be painted by the painters.
- The documents will be signed by the CEO.
- The cake will be eaten by the children.
Types and Categories
While the basic structure remains consistent, there are variations in the passive voice in the future indefinite tense depending on the type of sentence (affirmative, negative, interrogative) and the inclusion of modal verbs.
Affirmative Sentences
Affirmative sentences state a fact or assertion in the passive voice in the future indefinite tense. They follow the basic structure: Subject + will be + past participle.
Examples:
- The report will be published next week.
- The project will be completed by the end of the year.
- The letter will be sent tomorrow.
Negative Sentences
Negative sentences express that an action will not be performed on the subject. They are formed by adding “not” after “will”: Subject + will not be + past participle.
Examples:
- The report will not be published next week.
- The project will not be completed by the end of the year.
- The letter will not be sent tomorrow.
“Will not” can be contracted to “won’t”:
Examples:
- The report won’t be published next week.
- The project won’t be completed by the end of the year.
- The letter won’t be sent tomorrow.
Interrogative Sentences
Interrogative sentences ask a question about whether an action will be performed on the subject. They are formed by inverting “will” and the subject: Will + subject + be + past participle?
Examples:
- Will the report be published next week?
- Will the project be completed by the end of the year?
- Will the letter be sent tomorrow?
Short answers to these questions are typically “Yes, it will” or “No, it won’t.”
Modal Verbs
Modal verbs (such as can, could, may, might, should, must) can be used in conjunction with the passive voice in the future indefinite tense to express possibility, necessity, or obligation. The structure is: Subject + modal verb + be + past participle.
Examples:
- The problem should be solved soon.
- The package must be delivered tomorrow.
- The decision can be changed later.
Examples
To further illustrate the use of the passive voice in the future indefinite tense, here are several examples categorized by context.
General Examples
This table provides a variety of general examples demonstrating the passive voice in the future indefinite tense in diverse contexts.
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| The book will be read by many people. | Focuses on the book being read, not who will read it. |
| The new law will be implemented next year. | Emphasizes the implementation of the law. |
| The concert tickets will be sold online. | Highlights the method of selling the tickets. |
| The meeting will be held in the conference room. | Specifies the location of the meeting. |
| The dishes will be washed after dinner. | Indicates when the dishes will be cleaned. |
| The car will be repaired tomorrow. | Focuses on the car being repaired. |
| The email will be sent shortly. | Emphasizes the sending of the email. |
| The report will be finished by Friday. | Highlights the deadline for the report. |
| The house will be cleaned every week. | Specifies the frequency of cleaning the house. |
| The food will be cooked by a professional chef. | Indicates who will cook the food. |
| The project will be managed by a dedicated team. | Highlights who will manage the project. |
| The questions will be answered during the Q&A session. | Specifies when the questions will be addressed. |
| The problem will be solved eventually. | Emphasizes the eventual resolution of the problem. |
| The payment will be processed immediately. | Highlights the prompt processing of the payment. |
| The decision will be made by the committee. | Indicates who will make the decision. |
| The application will be reviewed carefully. | Focuses on the careful review of the application. |
| The results will be announced publicly. | Emphasizes the public announcement of the results. |
| The event will be organized by a local charity. | Highlights who will organize the event. |
| The data will be analyzed thoroughly. | Specifies the thorough analysis of the data. |
| The mistake will be corrected immediately. | Indicates the prompt correction of the mistake. |
| The article will be published online. | Focuses on where the article will be published. |
| The performance will be evaluated by the manager. | Highlights who will evaluate the performance. |
| The information will be updated regularly. | Specifies how often the information will be updated. |
| The product will be launched next month. | Indicates when the product will be launched. |
| The issue will be addressed promptly. | Emphasizes the prompt addressing of the issue. |
| The prize will be awarded to the winner. | Focuses on who will receive the prize. |
| The lesson will be taught by an experienced teacher. | Highlights who will teach the lesson. |
News Examples
This table illustrates how the passive voice in the future indefinite tense is used in news reports to convey information objectively.
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| The new hospital will be opened next year. | Focuses on the opening of the hospital. |
| The suspect will be charged with multiple crimes. | Emphasizes the charges against the suspect. |
| The election results will be announced tonight. | Highlights when the election results will be revealed. |
| The road will be closed for repairs. | Specifies the reason for the road closure. |
| The victims will be remembered at a memorial service. | Indicates how the victims will be honored. |
| The treaty will be signed by both countries. | Focuses on the signing of the treaty. |
| The investigation will be conducted thoroughly. | Emphasizes the thoroughness of the investigation. |
| The law will be debated in parliament. | Highlights where the law will be discussed. |
| The aid will be delivered to the affected areas. | Specifies where the aid will be sent. |
| The conference will be attended by experts from around the world. | Indicates who will attend the conference. |
| The game will be broadcast live on television. | Focuses on how the game will be shown. |
| The ceremony will be held at the city hall. | Specifies the location of the ceremony. |
| The article will be published in the journal. | Highlights where the article will appear. |
| The event will be covered by major news outlets. | Indicates who will report on the event. |
| The agreement will be reviewed by the government. | Specifies who will review the agreement. |
| The announcement will be made tomorrow morning. | Focuses on when the announcement will be made. |
| The project will be funded by international investors. | Highlights who will fund the project. |
| The exhibition will be visited by thousands of people. | Indicates how many people will visit the exhibition. |
| The technology will be used to improve efficiency. | Specifies the purpose of the technology. |
| The report will be released to the public. | Focuses on who will receive the report. |
| The statue will be unveiled next week. | Indicates when the statue will be revealed. |
| The evidence will be presented in court. | Specifies where the evidence will be shown. |
| The community will be supported by the organization. | Highlights who will support the community. |
| The initiative will be launched to combat poverty. | Specifies the purpose of the initiative. |
| The changes will be implemented gradually. | Focuses on how the changes will be introduced. |
| The funds will be allocated to education. | Highlights where the funds will be directed. |
Instructions Examples
This table demonstrates the use of the passive voice in the future indefinite tense in instructions.
| Sentence | Explanation |
|---|---|
| The device will be installed according to the manual. | Focuses on how the device should be installed. |
| The ingredients will be mixed thoroughly. | Emphasizes the importance of thorough mixing. |
| The software will be updated automatically. | Highlights how the software will be updated. |
| The plants will be watered every morning. | Specifies when the plants should be watered. |
| The oven will be preheated to 350 degrees. | Indicates the required oven temperature. |
| The form will be filled out completely. | Focuses on the completeness of the form. |
| The password will be changed regularly. | Emphasizes the importance of regular password changes. |
| The area will be cleaned with disinfectant. | Specifies what should be used to clean the area. |
| The instructions will be followed carefully. | Highlights the importance of careful adherence to instructions. |
| The settings will be adjusted as needed. | Indicates when the settings should be adjusted. |
| The machine will be started by pressing the green button. | Focuses on how to start the machine. |
| The document will be saved to the desktop. | Specifies where the document should be saved. |
| The code will be entered correctly. | Emphasizes the importance of entering the code correctly. |
| The data will be backed up daily. | Specifies how often the data should be backed up. |
| The solution will be applied to the affected area. | Indicates where the solution should be applied. |
| The filter will be replaced every three months. | Focuses on when the filter should be replaced. |
| The batteries will be inserted as shown in the diagram. | Emphasizes how the batteries should be inserted. |
| The screws will be tightened securely. | Highlights the importance of secure tightening. |
| The surface will be prepared before painting. | Specifies when the surface should be prepared. |
| The connection will be checked periodically. | Indicates how often the connection should be checked. |
| The components will be assembled in sequence. | Focuses on how the components should be assembled. |
| The mixture will be stirred constantly. | Emphasizes the importance of constant stirring. |
| The temperature will be monitored closely. | Highlights the importance of close monitoring. |
| The information will be verified before submission. | Specifies when the information should be verified. |
| The door will be locked after closing. | Indicates when the door should be locked. |
Usage Rules
Using the passive voice in the future indefinite tense correctly requires adherence to specific rules. Understanding these rules ensures clarity and grammatical accuracy.
- Use “will be” followed by the past participle: This is the fundamental structure for forming the passive voice in the future indefinite tense.
- Ensure subject-verb agreement: The subject of the sentence should agree in number with the verb. However, in the passive voice, this is less critical because the auxiliary verb “will” does not change form based on the subject.
- Use “by” to indicate the agent (if necessary): If you want to specify who or what will perform the action, use the preposition “by” followed by the agent.
- Maintain consistency in tense: Ensure that the tense of the sentence is consistent. If you are referring to a future action, use the future indefinite tense consistently throughout the sentence.
- Avoid overuse of the passive voice: While the passive voice is useful in certain situations, overuse can make your writing sound awkward or unclear. Use the active voice whenever possible to create a more direct and engaging style.
Exceptions
There are few exceptions to the rules for forming the passive voice in the future indefinite tense. However, it’s important to be aware of certain nuances:
- Intransitive verbs: Intransitive verbs (verbs that do not take a direct object) cannot be used in the passive voice. For example, “sleep” is an intransitive verb, so you cannot say “It will be slept.”
- Stative verbs: Stative verbs (verbs that describe a state rather than an action) are rarely used in the passive voice. For example, “know” is a stative verb, so it is uncommon to say “It will be known.”
Special Cases
Certain verbs and expressions have unique considerations when used in the passive voice in the future indefinite tense:
- Phrasal verbs: When using phrasal verbs (verbs combined with a preposition or adverb), the preposition or adverb should remain with the verb in the passive voice. For example, “The trash will be taken out.”
- Verbs with two objects: Some verbs can take two objects (a direct object and an indirect object). In the passive voice, either object can become the subject of the sentence. For example, “He will be given a prize” or “A prize will be given to him.”
Common Mistakes
Learners often make certain mistakes when using the passive voice in the future indefinite tense. Recognizing these common errors can help you avoid them.
| Incorrect | Correct | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| The letter will being sent. | The letter will be sent. | The correct form is “will be + past participle.” |
| The report will be write. | The report will be written. | Use the past participle form of the verb. |
| The house will painted. | The house will be painted. | “Will be” is required before the past participle. |
| The cake will be eat. | The cake will be eaten. | Use the correct past participle form. |
| The door will not be open. | The door will not be opened. | Use the past participle form of the verb. |
| The project will be finished by I. | The project will be finished by me. | Use the objective case (“me”) after “by.” |
| The email will be send by she. | The email will be sent by her. | Use the objective case (“her”) after “by.” |
| Will the book be readed? | Will the book be read? | “Read” has the same form for the base verb, past simple and past participle. |
| The room will be cleaned by myself. | The room will be cleaned by me. | “Myself” is a reflexive pronoun and should not be used here. |
| The task will be do. | The task will be done. | Use the correct past participle form of the verb. |
Practice Exercises
These practice exercises will help you solidify your understanding of the passive voice in the future indefinite tense.
Exercise 1: Rewrite the following active sentences in the passive voice in the future indefinite tense.
| Active Sentence | Passive Sentence |
|---|---|
| 1. They will build a new school next year. | A new school will be built next year. |
| 2. The company will launch a new product soon. | A new product will be launched soon. |
| 3. The chef will cook the dinner tonight. | The dinner will be cooked tonight. |
| 4. The students will submit the assignments tomorrow. | The assignments will be submitted tomorrow. |
| 5. The manager will review the report next week. | The report will be reviewed next week. |
| 6. The artist will paint the mural. | The mural will be painted. |
| 7. The team will complete the project. | The project will be completed. |
| 8. The author will write a new book. | A new book will be written. |
| 9. The government will announce new policies. | New policies will be announced. |
| 10. The scientists will discover a new planet. | A new planet will be discovered. |
Exercise 2: Fill in the blanks with the correct passive form of the verb in the future indefinite tense.
| Sentence | Answer |
|---|---|
| 1. The package _______ (deliver) tomorrow. | will be delivered |
| 2. The problem _______ (solve) soon. | will be solved |
| 3. The tickets _______ (sell) online. | will be sold |
| 4. The room _______ (clean) every day. | will be cleaned |
| 5. The food _______ (cook) by the chef. | will be cooked |
| 6. The letter _______ (send) next week. | will be sent |
| 7. The movie _______ (watch) by many people. | will be watched |
| 8. The message _______ (receive) shortly. | will be received |
| 9. The truth _______ (reveal) eventually. | will be revealed |
| 10. The decision _______ (make) by the committee. | will be made |
Exercise 3: Convert the following sentences into negative passive sentences in the future indefinite tense.
| Sentence | Negative Passive Sentence |
|---|---|
| 1. The report will be published. | The report will not be published. / The report won’t be published. |
| 2. The project will be completed. | The project will not be completed. / The project won’t be completed. |
| 3. The book will be translated. | The book will not be translated. / The book won’t be translated. |
| 4. The house will be sold. | The house will not be sold. / The house won’t be sold. |
| 5. The cake will be eaten. | The cake will not be eaten. / The cake won’t be eaten. |
| 6. The song will be sung. | The song will not be sung. / The song won’t be sung. |
| 7. The movie will be shown. | The movie will not be shown. / The movie won’t be shown. |
| 8. The flowers will be watered. | The flowers will not be watered. / The flowers won’t be watered. |
| 9. The car will be fixed. | The car will not be fixed. / The car won’t be fixed. |
| 10. The test will be taken. | The test will not be taken. / The test won’t be taken. |
Advanced Topics
For advanced learners, there are more complex aspects of the passive voice in the future indefinite tense to explore.
Nuances of Agent Omission
In many passive sentences, the agent (the doer of the action) is omitted. This is often done when the agent is unknown, unimportant, or obvious from the context.
However, the decision to omit the agent can also have rhetorical effects. Omitting the agent can create a more formal or objective tone, or it can be used to avoid assigning blame or responsibility.
For example, “Mistakes will be made” is less accusatory than “You will make mistakes.”
Passive Voice in Formal Writing
The passive voice is often used in formal writing, such as academic papers and official reports. It can help to create a more objective and impersonal tone, which is often preferred in these contexts.
However, it’s important to use the passive voice judiciously, as overuse can make your writing sound stilted or unclear. A balanced approach, using both active and passive voice, is generally recommended.
Passive Voice and Modality
Combining the passive voice with modal verbs can create nuanced meanings. For example, “The problem should be solved” expresses a recommendation or obligation, while “The problem might be solved” expresses a possibility.
Understanding how modal verbs interact with the passive voice can enhance your ability to express a wide range of meanings.
FAQ
Here are some frequently asked questions about the passive voice in the future indefinite tense.
- What is the passive voice?
The passive voice is a grammatical construction in which the subject of a sentence receives the action rather than performs it. It is formed using a form of the verb “to be” and the past participle of the main verb. The passive voice is used to emphasize the recipient of the action or when the actor is unknown, unimportant, or obvious from the context.
- How do I form the passive voice in the future indefinite tense?
The passive voice in the future indefinite tense is formed using the structure: Subject + will be + past participle. For example, “The letter will be sent tomorrow.”
- When should I use the passive voice?
You should use the passive voice when you want to emphasize the recipient of the action, when the actor is unknown or unimportant, or when you want to create a more formal or objective tone. However, avoid overuse of the passive voice, as it can make your writing sound awkward or unclear.
- How do I include the agent in a passive sentence?
To include the agent (the person or thing performing the action) in a passive sentence, use the preposition “by” followed by the agent. For example, “The house will be painted by the painters.”
- Can all verbs be used in the passive voice?
No, not all verbs can be used in the passive voice. Intransitive verbs (verbs that do not take a direct object) cannot be used in the passive voice. Stative verbs (verbs that describe a state rather than an action) are also rarely used in the passive voice.
- What is the difference between the active and passive voice?
In the active voice, the subject performs the action (e.g., “The dog chased the ball”). In the passive voice, the subject receives the action (e.g., “The ball was chased by the dog”). The active voice is generally more direct and engaging, while the passive voice is more formal and objective.
- Why is the passive voice useful?
The passive voice is useful for shifting the focus from the doer of an action to the receiver, adding flexibility to your communication. It is particularly helpful when the actor is unknown, unimportant, or obvious from the context. It can also be used to avoid assigning blame or responsibility or to create a more formal tone.
- Is it okay to use the passive voice often?
While the passive voice serves a purpose, overuse can make your writing sound stilted, unclear, or even evasive. It’s generally best to use the active voice when possible, as it tends to be more direct and engaging. Aim for a balance between active and passive voice to achieve clarity and variety in your writing.
Conclusion
Mastering the passive voice in the future indefinite tense is an essential step in becoming proficient in English grammar. This grammatical structure allows you to express future actions from a different perspective, emphasizing the recipient of the action rather than the doer.
By understanding the structure, usage rules, and common mistakes associated with this tense, you can effectively incorporate it into your writing and speaking.
Remember to practice regularly and pay attention to how native speakers use the passive voice in various contexts. With consistent effort, you’ll be able to confidently and accurately use this important grammatical concept.
Continue to explore advanced topics and seek opportunities to apply your knowledge, and you’ll find your overall command of the English language significantly enhanced.