Infinitive Passive in English: Easy Guide with Examples and Practice
- 19 hours ago
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What Is the Infinitive Passive?
The Infinitive Passive is formed with:
[to be + past participle]
It is used when the action is more important than the person who performs it.
Structure: [Subject + verb + to be + past participle]
Examples:
✔️ I want to be invited to the party.
✔️ She hopes to be promoted next year.
✔️ They expect to be informed soon.
✔️ We would like to be included in the project.
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When Do We Use the Infinitive Passive?
1. After Verbs of Wanting and Hoping
We often use the infinitive passive after verbs such as:
want
hope
expect
would like
plan
Examples:
I want to be chosen for the team.
She hopes to be promoted soon.
We expect to be contacted this week.
They would like to be invited to the ceremony.
2. When the Doer Is Unknown or Unimportant
Sometimes we don't know who will perform the action, or it isn't important.
Examples:
He wants to be remembered.
The artist hopes to be recognised internationally.
The students expect to be graded fairly.
3. In Formal and Professional English
The infinitive passive is common in workplace and academic situations.
Examples:
I would like to be considered for the position.
She hopes to be selected for the scholarship.
We expect to be notified of the results soon.
Active vs Passive Infinitive
Active Infinitive | Passive Infinitive |
I want to invite them. | I want to be invited. |
She hopes to promote him. | She hopes to be promoted. |
They expect to contact us. | We expect to be contacted. |
We would like to include everyone. | Everyone would like to be included. |
A Short Story Using the Infinitive Passive
The Company Award
Mia worked hard all year.
She hoped to be promoted to team leader.
Several employees wanted to be recognised for their efforts.
Everyone expected to be informed about the results during the annual meeting.
When the announcement was finally made, Mia was delighted. She had been selected for the promotion.
"I always wanted to be trusted with more responsibility," she said.
Her colleagues were happy too because they had all been invited to the celebration dinner.
Common Mistakes
❌ I want be invited.
✔️ I want to be invited.
Always include to before be.
❌ She hopes be promoted.
✔️ She hopes to be promoted.
Remember the complete structure: [to + be + past participle]
❌ We expect to invited.
✔️ We expect to be invited.
Don't forget be.
Quick Practice
Complete the sentences using the infinitive passive.
I hope __________ (choose) for the competition.
She wants __________ (invite) to the wedding.
We expect __________ (contact) soon.
They would like __________ (include) in the discussion.
He hopes __________ (recognise) for his work.
Answers
to be chosen
to be invited
to be contacted
to be included
to be recognised
Discussion Questions
Use these questions for speaking practice.
Would you like to be promoted at work? Why or why not?
What award would you like to be given someday?
Have you ever hoped to be selected for something important?
What skills do you want to be recognised for?
Would you like to be invited to a famous event? Which one?
Is it important to be respected by your colleagues?
What do students hope to be taught in English classes?
What achievements would you like to be remembered for?
Self-Study Tips
1. Notice the Pattern
Whenever you see:
want
hope
expect
would like
try creating sentences with: [to be + past participle]
2. Keep a Grammar Journal
Write five sentences about your goals:
I hope to be...
I want to be...
I would like to be...
3. Practise Speaking
Record yourself answering the discussion questions.
This helps you become more comfortable using the infinitive passive naturally.
Final Thoughts
The Infinitive Passive (to be + past participle) is a useful structure for talking about hopes, expectations, wishes, and future possibilities.
Mastering expressions such as to be invited, to be promoted, to be chosen, and to be recognised will help you sound more natural and confident in English.
Keep practising, and you'll soon be able to use the infinitive passive with ease!
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Includes:
✅ Grammar Worksheet
✅ Discussion Questions
✅ Challenge Activity
✅ Speaking Challenge
✅ Writing Task
✅ Answer Key
Frequently Asked Questions - The Infinitive Passive
What is the Infinitive Passive?
The infinitive passive is formed with: [to be + past participle]
Example:
She hopes to be promoted.
Is the infinitive passive common in English?
Yes. It is frequently used in everyday conversations, business English, and academic writing.
What verbs are often used with the infinitive passive?
Common verbs include:
want
hope
expect
would like
plan
prefer
What's the difference between active and passive infinitives?
Active: I want to invite them.
Passive: I want to be invited.
The passive focuses on receiving the action.
Can I use the infinitive passive in speaking?
Absolutely. Native speakers often say:
I'd like to be included.
I hope to be selected.
I want to be informed.
Keep exploring the Passive Voice:
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