Simple Tenses and the Passive

What are we learning today?

You will learn how to choose the right simple tense, and how to use the passive.

Explanation

• Use the past simple for a finished action: We went to the mall.
• Use the present simple for facts: Millions of people visit the mall every year.
• The passive in the past: was or were + past participle (was called). The passive in the present: am, is or are + past participle (are sent).
• Use the passive when the doer is not important.

Examples

1. Last week we went to the mall.
2. It was called Akmola until 1998.
3. The letters are sent every day.

Remember!

• Do not forget "was" or "were" in the past passive.
• Do not use the present simple for a finished event.

Check yourself

1. Make this passive: "People called the city Akmola."
2. Is "was called" active or passive?