Passive Voice with Modal Verbs: Grammar Guide

This guide explains how passive voice works with modal verbs such as can, must, should, and will. You will learn the correct structure, common usage patterns, and examples that help you understand how modal verbs function in passive sentences in both academic writing and exams like IELTS.

Keynote – Grammar Quick Overview

The passive voice with modal verbs is a structure in English used to show that the action is done to the subject, with a focus on possibility, necessity, permission, or other meanings expressed by modal verbs.

Key points to remember:

• Use this form when you want to emphasize the object receiving the action, not who performs it.

• Common structure: modal verb (can, should, must, etc.) + be + past participle (V3/ed).

• The most important rule is not to omit “be” and always use the correct verb form: The report must be completed by tomorrow.

• Be careful not to change the modal verb or its position, and avoid putting adverbs between the modal and “be.”

• This structure is frequent in formal writing, academic English, and when giving rules, instructions, or general statements.

I. What Is the Passive Voice with Modal Verb?

The passive voice with a modal verb is a grammatical structure used to show that someone or something receives an action, while expressing meanings such as possibility, necessity, advice, or obligation through the modal verb. Instead of focusing on who performs the action (the “doer”), this structure highlights the person or thing that is affected by the action.

Modal verbs include: can, could, should, must, may, might, will, would, shall.

Active vs. Passive Comparison:

• Active (with modal verb):
  Someone can fix the computer.

• Passive (with modal verb):
  The computer can be fixed (by someone).

Key points:

• Use the passive with modal verbs to sound more objective, formal, or when the doer is unknown or not important.

• The basic pattern is:
  Modal verb + be + past participle (V3/ed)

• In the passive, the object of the active sentence becomes the subject.

Simple Example Conversions:

• Active: The teacher must explain the rules.

• Passive: The rules must be explained (by the teacher).

To explore more forms, you can learn special passive voice in English.

1. Basic Structure / Form

The passive voice with modal verbs has a simple, clear formula. You always use the modal verb, followed by "be," and then the past participle of the main verb.

General formula:

Modal verb + be + V3/ed

Sentence patterns:

Active vs. Passive with Modal Example Table:

Notes:

• The agent (the one who does the action, usually “by someone”) is often omitted if it’s not important or unknown.

• “Be” never changes form after a modal verb.

• The main verb is always in the past participle (V3/ed) form after “be.”

To review this form, see past participle in English.

2. How to Use Passive Voice with Modal Verb

Passive voice with modal verbs is used in several important contexts in English. Here are the most common uses and guidelines:

Special Note on “have to/had to” as Modal-like Verbs:

• Passive form: have/has/had to + be + V3/ed
  Example: The forms have to be signed by all members.

Cautions and Common Problems:

• Don’t confuse the passive with an active sentence with a modal verb.
  (Active: Students can borrow the book.)
  (Passive: The book can be borrowed by students.)

• Do not put adverbs or pronouns between the modal and “be”:
  (Incorrect: The book can quickly be borrowed.)
  (Prefer: The book can be quickly borrowed—or better, avoid splitting for clarity.)

• Make sure “be” is never changed after a modal verb—no “is/are/was/were/being/been”.

II. How This Structure Is Used in IELTS

The passive voice with modal verbs is frequently used in IELTS to express ideas objectively, describe processes, and showcase advanced grammar skills.

Common usage in IELTS:

• IELTS Writing Task 2:
  Using the passive with modal verbs helps make your writing more formal, objective, and academic. It allows you to avoid first-person pronouns like “I” or “we,” which are less formal.
  Example: More efforts should be made to reduce pollution.

• IELTS Writing Task 1 (Report/Process):
  Passive structures with modals are perfect when describing processes, trends, or data.
  Example: The results can be observed in the following table.
  Example: Precautions must be taken to ensure safety.

• IELTS Speaking:
  Demonstrating control of the passive voice with modals can help you score better for Grammar Range & Accuracy.
  Example: The decision could be influenced by a number of factors.

Common mistakes to avoid:

• Omitting “be” after the modal verb (e.g., "should submitted" instead of "should be submitted").

• Changing the word order or splitting modal + be with adverbs (keep “modal + be” together).

• Overusing the passive with modal verbs in a single response can lead to errors such as double passive voice in English.

• Selecting the wrong modal or constructing unnecessarily complex sentences.

Important tip: Higher band scores require the correct and appropriate use of grammar structures. In IELTS, using the passive with modal verbs in the right context makes your writing and speaking sound more academic and formal, but you should always prioritize clarity and naturalness. Use passive modals when it fits the idea—not just to “show off” grammar.

Related Grammar Topics:

• Passive Voice (simple)

• Modal Verbs (usage & meaning)

• Passive “have to” / “had to” structures

• Conditional sentences in the passive

• Using tenses with modals in passive voice

Studying these topics alongside passive modals will help expand your grammar range and boost your IELTS performance.

III. Exercise (Optional)

Practicing with exercises helps solidify your understanding and ability to use passive voice with modal verbs correctly. Try the following tasks and check your answers using the answer key.

Exercise 1: Rewrite the following active sentences in the passive voice using the modal verb provided.

1. Someone can finish the project.

2. You must submit the application before Friday.

3. Will they repair the car this week?

4. They should announce the results tomorrow.

5. People may visit the new museum soon.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct passive form for each sentence.

6. The documents ___ by the staff. (should / check)
   A. should check
   B. should be checked
   C. should have checked

7. Bags ___ on the bus. (must / not / leave)
   A. must not be left
   B. must be not left
   C. not must be left

8. ___ a solution ___ by the committee? (can / find)
   A. Can a solution find
   B. Can a solution be found
   C. Can be a solution found

9. The instructions ___ carefully. (ought to / follow)
   A. ought to be followed
   B. ought to follow
   C. ought be followed

10. The answer ___ after the test. (will / give)
    A. will be given
    B. will give
    C. will been given

Answer Key

[prep_collapse_expand open_text="View more" close_text="Show less"]

[/prep_collapse_expand]

IV. Start Your IELTS Journey 

Now you have a good understanding of Passive voice with modal verbs, right? In this article, PREP has compiled a detailed theory about Passive voice with modal verbs along with specific examples and exercises. Want to master IELTS exam? Explore our advanced IELTS prep programs here:

• IELTS lessons online: Break Barriers, Achieve Band 7