Passive with Modals
The report must be finished by Friday.
Notice
- The bridge should be repaired soon.
- This form can be submitted online.
- The results must be checked twice before publishing.
- Photos may not be taken inside the museum.
Rule
Structure: modal verb + be + past participle
We use passive modals in formal instructions, rules, notices, and predictions — when the action matters more than who does it. Common modals: must, should, can, may, might, have to, need to.
Practice
- Rewrite in the passive: ‘You must submit the form by Monday.’
Answer: The form must be submitted by Monday. - Rewrite in the passive: ‘They should announce the results tomorrow.’
Answer: The results should be announced tomorrow. - Complete: ‘This medicine _____ (can / take) with food.’
Answer: can be taken - Complete: ‘All visitors _____ (must / inform) of the safety rules.’
Answer: must be informed
Connect
Spot and fix mistakes in passive-with-modal sentences.
CEFR: Reading — understand formal notices, rules, and instructions in a range of contexts.
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Azizul Hakim is the founder & CEO at English Finders. He is a passionate writer, English instructor, and content creator. He holds both a Bachelor’s and a Master's degree in English Language and Literature. With more than a decade of experience, he aims to make English learning simple, engaging, and accessible for everyone.
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