Intermediate 📐 Grammar · #264 of 305

Passive Questions

Invert the auxiliary in passive questions.

Examples

  • Was the window broken?
  • When will it be fixed?

Key rules

  • Questions invert the first auxiliary: Was the window broken?
  • With question words: When will it be fixed? Who was it written by?
  • Short answers: Yes, it was.
  • Keep the past participle after the subject

Common mistakes

  • The window was broken? → Was the window broken?
  • When it will be fixed? → When will it be fixed?
💡 Tip: Move the first auxiliary before the subject.
Practise this topic in the appPractise Intermediate quiz
← Future Passive: Will Be DoneBy + Agent in Passive →

Related Intermediate topics

See all Intermediate grammar lessons →

Present Perfect Continuous

have been + -ing stresses duration up to now.

Past Perfect

had + past participle for an earlier past action.

Past Perfect Continuous

had been + -ing for duration before a past moment.

Future Continuous

will be + -ing for actions in progress at a future time.

Future Perfect

will have + past participle for completion before a future time.

Future Perfect Continuous

will have been + -ing for duration up to a future point.