Modals (Passive Form)+ Grammar Story & Practice Exercises
- Oct 16, 2025
- 6 min read
Updated: Mar 29
Why Learn the Passive Form with Modals?
We use modals like can, should, must, might, may, have to, and could to express ability, advice, obligation, or possibility.
Sometimes, we don’t want to say who does the action — we care more about the action itself.
That’s when we use the passive voice — and yes, it works beautifully with modals too!
Let’s explore how to form it, then learn through a short story and fun practice!
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🧩 Grammar Rules: Passive Form with Modals
✅ 1. Modals in the Present Passive
Structure:👉 [Modal + be + past participle]
We use this to talk about actions in the present or future, when the focus is on what happens, not who does it.
Examples:
The report must be finished today.
The cakes can be ordered online.
English should be spoken in class.
These shoes could be repaired easily.
🔹 Contrast: Present Active vs. Present Passive
Active (focus on the doer) | Passive (focus on the action) |
You must finish the report today. | The report must be finished today. |
They can deliver the parcels tomorrow. | The parcels can be delivered tomorrow. |
The staff should clean the kitchen daily. | The kitchen should be cleaned daily. |
Someone could fix this soon. | This could be fixed soon. |
💬 Quick Tip:
Use the passive when the person doing the action isn’t important or isn’t known.
✅ 2. Perfect Passive with Modals
Structure: 👉 [Modal + have been + past participle]
We use this to talk about past actions — things that should, could, might, or would have happened, but we’re focusing on the action, not the doer.
Examples:
Modal | Example Sentence | Meaning |
should | The invitations should have been sent yesterday. | It was expected, but it didn’t happen. |
could | The tickets could have been sold out already. | It’s possible they are all gone. |
might | The window might have been broken by the wind. | We’re not sure, but it’s possible. |
would | The plan would have been approved if we’d submitted it earlier. | It didn’t happen, but it was possible. |
🔹 Contrast: Perfect Active vs. Perfect Passive
Active | Passive |
Someone should have sent the invitations. | The invitations should have been sent. |
They might have broken the window. | The window might have been broken. |
They could have completed the work earlier. | The work could have been completed earlier. |
The manager would have approved the plan. | The plan would have been approved. |
💬 Quick Tip:
Use the Perfect Passive to show that the action happened (or should have happened) in the past, but you don’t need to mention who did it.
🌼 Story Time: The Bakery That Must Be Saved!
Grammar Focus: Present & Perfect Passive with Modals
🍰 Story: The Bakery That Must Be Saved!
Emma and her sister Mia run a small bakery in London called Sweet Whisk.
One Monday morning, they arrived to find a big sign on the door:
“The bakery must be closed for safety inspection.”
Emma gasped. “Closed? But it’s our busiest week!”
Later, the inspector arrived. He explained, “The oven might have been damaged by last night’s storm. It must be checked before you open again.”
While waiting, Mia said, “All these cakes could be wasted if we don’t sell them soon!”
Emma had an idea. “The cakes can be sold online! Let’s post on social media — ‘Fresh cakes available for delivery!’”
By evening, every single cupcake was sold.
When the inspector returned, he smiled. “The oven has been repaired and your bakery can be reopened tomorrow.”
Mia laughed, “That’s great! But next time, the safety system should have been checked before the storm!”
Moral: Even when life gives you storms — your cakes can still be sold! 🍰💪
🧠 Comprehension Questions
Why was the bakery closed? __________________________________________________________
What problem did the inspector find?
__________________________________________________________
How did Emma and Mia solve their problem?
__________________________________________________________
Find one Present Passive sentence from the story.
__________________________________________________________
Find one Perfect Passive sentence from the story.
__________________________________________________________
✏️ Grammar Practice: Passive with Modals
🔹 A. Fill in the blanks
The documents _______ (must / sign) before the meeting.
The cake _______ (should / bake) at 180°C.
The flowers _______ (might / have damage) by the rain.
This rule _______ (must / follow) in every class.
The report _______ (could / have send) yesterday.
🔹 B. Rewrite the sentences in the Passive
Example: They should deliver the parcel today.
➡️ The parcel should be delivered today.
They must repair the bridge soon. ______________________________________________
Someone might have stolen the bag.
______________________________________________
They can publish the book next month.
______________________________________________
Someone should have cleaned the room.
______________________________________________
They may cancel the event.
______________________________________________
🔹 C. Choose the correct answer
The documents _______ before the deadline.
a) must have been submitted
b) must be submitting
c) must submitted
This machine _______ carefully.
a) should use
b) should be used
c) should have use
The food _______ earlier.
a) could serve
b) could have been served
c) can been served
💬 Discussion Prompt
👉 “Think of a time something should have been done earlier. What happened? How would you say it in the passive?”
Example: The flight should have been confirmed earlier.
🪄 Mini Review Chart
Modal | Present Passive | Perfect Passive |
must | The cake must be baked carefully. | The cake must have been baked by Mia. |
should | Orders should be prepared on time. | Orders should have been delivered yesterday. |
can | Lessons can be joined online. | Lessons could have been joined earlier. |
might | The shop might be closed now. | The shop might have been closed already. |
would | The rule would be followed in any situation. | The rule would have been followed if everyone had known. |
🎯 Quick Quiz
Question: Which sentence is correct?
A. The room must cleaned.
B. The room must be cleaned.
C. The room must have clean.
👉 Answer: B — The room must be cleaned.
🌍 Real-Life Practice Idea
Look for passive modals in public places or online notices!
Examples:
“Masks must be worn.”
“Payments should be made at the counter.”
“Tickets can be collected at the gate.”
Now write your own 3 sentences using Present Passive with Modals and Perfect Passive with Modals about your home, work, or daily life! 🌿
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
______________________________________________
We hope you've enjoyed the lesson, story & practice on The Passive Form with Modals.
✏️ Drop your answers in the comments below!
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Passive with Modals – Grammar & Story Practice PDF
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FAQ: Passive Voice with Modal Verbs
1. How do I form the passive voice with a modal verb?
To turn a modal sentence into the passive, use this formula:
[Object] + [Modal Verb] + be + [Past Participle]
Active: You can see the stars.
Passive: The stars can be seen.
2. Does the modal verb change if the subject is plural?
No. One of the best things about modals (can, must, should, will) is that they never change form, regardless of whether the subject is singular or plural.
The car must be fixed.
The cars must be fixed.
3. How do I make a modal passive sentence negative?
Simply add "not" immediately after the modal verb.
Formula: Modal + not + be + Past Participle.
Example: "The secret should not be told to anyone."
4. What is the "Perfect Modal" passive?
This is used for past regrets or assumptions (should have, could have, must have).
It follows a slightly longer formula:
Modal + have been + Past Participle.
Active: They should have invited him.
Passive: He should have been invited.
5. When should I use the passive modal instead of the active?
You should use it when the action or the object is more important than who is doing it.
It is very common in:
Instructions: "Safety goggles must be worn."
Formal Requests: "The documents can be dropped off at the front desk."
General Rules: "Phones should be turned off during the movie."
Comparison Table for Quick Reference
Modal Type | Active Example | Passive Translation |
Ability (Can) | I can do it. | It can be done. |
Obligation (Must) | You must sign it. | It must be signed. |
Advice (Should) | You should send it. | It should be sent. |
Possibility (May) | They may find it. | It may be found. |
🎯 Pro-Tip:
If you aren't sure if a sentence is passive, look for the "by" test. If you can add "by zombies" at the end of the sentence and it still makes grammatical sense, it’s passive! (e.g., "The city was destroyed by zombies.")
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📚 Further Learning
Want to keep practising your English in fun and natural ways?
Check out these recommended resources:
🎧 Try Audible for free – Listen to English stories and improve your comprehension anywhere.
🎓 British Council Online English Lessons – Learn with expert teachers.
📱 FluentU –Practise English with real-world videos and interactive subtitles.
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