STANAG & JFLT Level 3 Grammar
Passive Voice
Structured progression training. Complete each activity to master this grammar point.
Task Progress
Grammar Reference
The passive voice is not simply a grammar rule. It is a register decision. At Level 3, the passive is required in formal military writing because it removes personal language, places focus on the action or result, and handles unknown or irrelevant agents cleanly. A TIEAC essay written entirely in the active voice will be penalised for register.
| Form | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Present Simple passive | is / are + past participle | Reports are submitted daily. |
| Past Simple passive | was / were + past participle | The suspect was detained at the scene. |
| Present Perfect passive | has / have + been + past participle | The review has been completed. |
| Past Perfect passive | had + been + past participle | The plan had been approved before the meeting. |
| Future passive | will + be + past participle | The findings will be published next month. |
| Modal passive | modal + be + past participle | All evidence must be preserved. |
| Present Continuous passive | is / are + being + past participle | The area is currently being secured. |
| Past Continuous passive | was / were + being + past participle | The data was being collected at the time. |
| Perfect modal passive | modal + have + been + past participle | This should have been reported earlier. |
EXAM TIP: The most common Level 3 passive error is not forming it incorrectly. It is failing to use it at all. An examiner expects passive constructions throughout formal written tasks. Impersonal passive openings signal academic register immediately: It is widely recognised that… / It has been argued that… / It is generally accepted that…
THE AGENT: WHEN TO INCLUDE BY AND WHEN TO OMIT IT
INCLUDE BY when the agent adds important information:
The report was submitted by the commanding officer. [who submitted it is relevant]
OMIT BY when the agent is unknown, obvious, or unimportant:
The suspect was arrested. [no need to add: by the police]
The decision has been made. [the agent is assumed or irrelevant]
Unnecessary BY phrases make writing wordy. In most formal military writing, omit the agent.
The report was submitted by the commanding officer. [who submitted it is relevant]
OMIT BY when the agent is unknown, obvious, or unimportant:
The suspect was arrested. [no need to add: by the police]
The decision has been made. [the agent is assumed or irrelevant]
Unnecessary BY phrases make writing wordy. In most formal military writing, omit the agent.
Task A of 9
Gap Fill: Correct Passive Form
All nine passive forms tested. Tense, modality, and continuous or perfect distinctions all matter.
Instructions. Complete each sentence with the correct passive form of the verb in brackets. Pay close attention to tense, modality, and whether a continuous or perfect form is required. These distinctions are directly tested at Level 3.
Task A of 9
Task B of 9
Sentence Construction: Active to Passive
Convert active sentences to passive. Omit the agent unless it adds value.
Instructions. Rewrite each active sentence in the passive. Omit the agent (BY phrase) unless it adds important information. Maintain the tense of the original. The passive form required is indicated in the prompts.
Task B of 9
Task C of 9
Matching: Passive Form to Function
Match each sentence to its passive form type. All nine forms are tested.
Instructions. Match each sentence (1 to 10) to its correct passive form type (A to J). Write the letter in the answer box.
Task C of 9
Task D of 9
Transformation Task
Rewrite each sentence using the passive form specified. Maintain formal register.
Instructions. Rewrite each sentence using the form or instruction given in brackets. Maintain the formal register required for Level 3 military and NATO writing throughout.
Task D of 9
Task E of 9
Error Correction
Passive errors penalised at Level 3. One sentence is correct. Identify all errors precisely.
Instructions. Each sentence contains ONE error in the passive construction. Find it and write the corrected sentence in full. One sentence is already correct. Identify it and state why there is no error.
Task E of 9
Task F of 9
Find the Grammar: Passive Analysis
Identify every passive construction across a report and an essay passage. State form, agent decision, and reason.
Instructions. Read each passage. Identify every passive construction. For each, state: (1) the passive form used, (2) whether the agent is included or omitted, and (3) why passive was the appropriate choice in that context.
Passage 1 — Formal Incident Report
At 2315 on Saturday, a disturbance was reported at the eastern compound. Patrol units were deployed immediately and the area was secured within 20 minutes. Two individuals were detained at the scene. A third individual had already been escorted from the building before officers arrived. All witness statements have been recorded and submitted to the investigation team. The primary communications system was being tested at the time of the incident. A full report will be submitted to the commanding officer by 0800.
was reported — Past Simple passive. Agent omitted. Focus is on the event, not the reporter. Standard formal report opening.
were deployed — Past Simple passive. Agent omitted. The action matters; who ordered it is assumed from context.
was secured — Past Simple passive. Agent omitted. The result is the focus; the agents are the same patrol units already mentioned.
were detained — Past Simple passive. Agent omitted. Formal operational language; the detaining authority is assumed.
had already been escorted — Past Perfect passive. Agent omitted. The escorting occurred before officers arrived; Past Perfect marks the sequence. Agent unknown or irrelevant.
have been recorded — Present Perfect passive. Agent omitted. The result (recorded statements) is currently relevant. The recorder is not important.
was being tested — Past Continuous passive. Agent omitted. The testing was in progress at the specific past moment of the incident. Explains a contextual factor.
will be submitted — Future passive. Agent omitted. The report is the focus; who submits it is understood from context.
were deployed — Past Simple passive. Agent omitted. The action matters; who ordered it is assumed from context.
was secured — Past Simple passive. Agent omitted. The result is the focus; the agents are the same patrol units already mentioned.
were detained — Past Simple passive. Agent omitted. Formal operational language; the detaining authority is assumed.
had already been escorted — Past Perfect passive. Agent omitted. The escorting occurred before officers arrived; Past Perfect marks the sequence. Agent unknown or irrelevant.
have been recorded — Present Perfect passive. Agent omitted. The result (recorded statements) is currently relevant. The recorder is not important.
was being tested — Past Continuous passive. Agent omitted. The testing was in progress at the specific past moment of the incident. Explains a contextual factor.
will be submitted — Future passive. Agent omitted. The report is the focus; who submits it is understood from context.
Passage 2 — TIEAC Essay Body Paragraph
It is widely recognised that discipline forms the foundation of effective military organisation. However, it has been argued by a number of analysts that excessive rigidity can undermine the adaptability required in modern operational contexts. A more balanced framework has been proposed in several recent studies, though consensus has not yet been reached on the most appropriate model. It could be argued that existing structures were not designed to reflect the realities of contemporary conflict, and that fundamental reform is urgently required.
is widely recognised — Present Simple passive. Impersonal opening. Agent omitted. Removes personal attribution and signals formal academic register. Standard TIEAC essay opener.
has been argued — Present Perfect passive. Agent included (by a number of analysts) because the source strengthens the argument. The agent adds credibility, not just information.
has been proposed — Present Perfect passive. Agent omitted (in several recent studies acts as a location/source, not a true agent). Result is relevant now.
has not yet been reached — Present Perfect passive negative. Agent omitted. The absence of consensus is a current, ongoing situation. No agent is necessary.
could be argued — Modal passive. Agent omitted. Polite distancing; presents a claim without direct personal commitment. Standard academic hedging.
were not designed — Past Simple passive negative. Agent omitted. The structures are the focus; who designed them is irrelevant to the argument.
is urgently required — Present Simple passive. Agent omitted. States a necessity impersonally. Stronger and more formal than saying ‘we need’.
has been argued — Present Perfect passive. Agent included (by a number of analysts) because the source strengthens the argument. The agent adds credibility, not just information.
has been proposed — Present Perfect passive. Agent omitted (in several recent studies acts as a location/source, not a true agent). Result is relevant now.
has not yet been reached — Present Perfect passive negative. Agent omitted. The absence of consensus is a current, ongoing situation. No agent is necessary.
could be argued — Modal passive. Agent omitted. Polite distancing; presents a claim without direct personal commitment. Standard academic hedging.
were not designed — Past Simple passive negative. Agent omitted. The structures are the focus; who designed them is irrelevant to the argument.
is urgently required — Present Simple passive. Agent omitted. States a necessity impersonally. Stronger and more formal than saying ‘we need’.
Task F of 9
Task G of 9
Controlled Writing: Formal Incident Summary
Write a formal summary using passive voice as the dominant register. Five different forms required.
Instructions. Write a formal incident summary (80 to 100 words) using the information below. Use passive voice as the dominant form throughout. You must use at least FIVE different passive forms from different tense categories. Formal military register. No personal language. No contractions.
Information to Summarise
- Incident: a breach of perimeter security at a military installation
- Time: last night at 2240
- Discovery: a routine patrol found signs of forced entry at the eastern gate
- Response: a security team called; area searched; no intruder found
- Evidence: fingerprints collected; CCTV footage reviewed; written report filed
- Current status: investigation ongoing; updated protocols being implemented
- Next step: full security review to be conducted within 48 hours
Words: 0 / 80-100
Model Answer:
At 2240 last night, signs of forced entry were discovered [Past Simple passive] at the eastern gate during a routine patrol. A security team was immediately deployed [Past Simple passive] and the area was searched [Past Simple passive] thoroughly. No intruder was found [Past Simple passive]. Fingerprints have been collected [Present Perfect passive] and CCTV footage has been reviewed [Present Perfect passive]. A written report has been filed [Present Perfect passive]. Updated security protocols are currently being implemented [Present Continuous passive]. A full security review will be conducted [Future passive] within 48 hours.
(approx. 92 words | Passive forms used: Past Simple passive x4, Present Perfect passive x3, Present Continuous passive x1, Future passive x1)
At 2240 last night, signs of forced entry were discovered [Past Simple passive] at the eastern gate during a routine patrol. A security team was immediately deployed [Past Simple passive] and the area was searched [Past Simple passive] thoroughly. No intruder was found [Past Simple passive]. Fingerprints have been collected [Present Perfect passive] and CCTV footage has been reviewed [Present Perfect passive]. A written report has been filed [Present Perfect passive]. Updated security protocols are currently being implemented [Present Continuous passive]. A full security review will be conducted [Future passive] within 48 hours.
(approx. 92 words | Passive forms used: Past Simple passive x4, Present Perfect passive x3, Present Continuous passive x1, Future passive x1)
Task G of 9
Task G2 of 9
Extended Writing: TIEAC Acknowledgement Paragraph
Use passive voice to present and concede a counter-argument at Level 3 essay standard.
Instructions. Write a formal TIEAC Acknowledgement paragraph (90 to 110 words) for the topic below. Use at least FOUR passive constructions, including one impersonal passive opening and one perfect modal passive. Formal register throughout. No contractions.
Essay Topic and Task
- Topic: International military alliances are essential for collective security.
- Your position: Alliances strengthen deterrence and share the burden of defence.
- Counter-argument to acknowledge: Alliances can limit national sovereignty and create political tensions.
- Your response: Despite this, the benefits of collective security outweigh the limitations.
- Required passive forms: It must be acknowledged that… / It has been argued that… / could have been prevented / should be considered
Words: 0 / 90-110
Model Answer:
It must be acknowledged that international alliances are not without their limitations. It has been argued by a number of political analysts that membership in collective security frameworks can constrain national sovereignty and generate diplomatic friction between member states. Several high-profile disputes within established alliances could have been prevented had more effective communication mechanisms been established at an earlier stage. Nevertheless, these limitations should be considered against the broader context of what alliances have achieved: a sustained reduction in the likelihood of large-scale inter-state conflict in the post-Cold War era. The strategic benefits remain substantially greater than the political costs.
(approx. 103 words | Passives: It must be acknowledged [modal passive, impersonal], It has been argued [Present Perfect passive, impersonal], could have been prevented [perfect modal passive], been established [Past Perfect passive in conditional], should be considered [modal passive])
It must be acknowledged that international alliances are not without their limitations. It has been argued by a number of political analysts that membership in collective security frameworks can constrain national sovereignty and generate diplomatic friction between member states. Several high-profile disputes within established alliances could have been prevented had more effective communication mechanisms been established at an earlier stage. Nevertheless, these limitations should be considered against the broader context of what alliances have achieved: a sustained reduction in the likelihood of large-scale inter-state conflict in the post-Cold War era. The strategic benefits remain substantially greater than the political costs.
(approx. 103 words | Passives: It must be acknowledged [modal passive, impersonal], It has been argued [Present Perfect passive, impersonal], could have been prevented [perfect modal passive], been established [Past Perfect passive in conditional], should be considered [modal passive])
Task G2 of 9
Task H of 9
Exam Challenge Task
Formal security review report section using the full range of passive forms. Examiner standard.
Instructions. Write a formal report section (130 to 150 words) summarising the findings of a security review. Your report must: (1) use passive voice throughout as the primary register, (2) include at least one example each of: Past Simple passive, Present Perfect passive, Present Continuous passive, modal passive, and perfect modal passive, (3) include at least two impersonal passive openings (It is / It has been), and (4) omit all unnecessary BY phrases. After your report, write two sentences explaining which passive form you found most useful for formal reporting and why. Formal military register throughout.
Exam Requirements
- Past Simple passive: completed findings from the review
- Present Perfect passive: actions taken that are still relevant now
- Present Continuous passive: actions currently in progress
- Modal passive: obligations or recommendations arising from findings
- Perfect modal passive: actions that should or could have been taken earlier
- Two impersonal passive openings (It is… / It has been…)
- No unnecessary BY phrases throughout
Words: 0 / 130-150
Model Answer:
It is widely recognised that perimeter security at the eastern installation has not been adequately maintained over the preceding twelve months. During the review period, three separate access control failures were identified, each of which had been recorded at the time but not escalated to the appropriate level of command. It has been established that existing protocols were not consistently followed during shift handovers. Corrective measures are currently being implemented across all relevant units, and updated procedures have been issued to all section commanders. All personnel must be briefed on the revised protocols before the end of the current duty period. More rigorous oversight mechanisms should have been introduced at an earlier stage to prevent recurring failures of this nature.
The Present Perfect passive proved most useful for formal reporting because it allows completed actions to be described in terms of their current relevance, without requiring a specific time reference. This matches the standard register of military reporting, where the focus is on current status rather than historical chronology.
(approx. 140 words)
It is widely recognised that perimeter security at the eastern installation has not been adequately maintained over the preceding twelve months. During the review period, three separate access control failures were identified, each of which had been recorded at the time but not escalated to the appropriate level of command. It has been established that existing protocols were not consistently followed during shift handovers. Corrective measures are currently being implemented across all relevant units, and updated procedures have been issued to all section commanders. All personnel must be briefed on the revised protocols before the end of the current duty period. More rigorous oversight mechanisms should have been introduced at an earlier stage to prevent recurring failures of this nature.
The Present Perfect passive proved most useful for formal reporting because it allows completed actions to be described in terms of their current relevance, without requiring a specific time reference. This matches the standard register of military reporting, where the focus is on current status rather than historical chronology.
(approx. 140 words)
Task H of 9