Simple Passive
Food is served until 11. The game is canceled.
In this lesson
- Learn to use the simple passive to focus on actions and results when the person or thing doing the action is unknown or not important.
Four Everyday Conversations
Read each conversation and notice how the speakers use the simple passive to focus on actions, results, schedules, completed work, and damaged objects.
Listen to the full lesson
Audio voices are AI-generated.
Dinner Before the Movie
- Tony
We need a place for dinner before the movie. How is the new Thai restaurant?
- Beth
It’s great. All the food is cooked with organic ingredients.
- Tony
That sounds good. Is it usually busy?
- Beth
Yes, so tables are often reserved early.
- Tony
Then we should book one. How late is it open?
- Beth
Food is served until 11, but the bar is open until midnight.
- Tony
Perfect. Our movie ends at nine, so we still have time.
- Beth
Yes, and dessert is included with the dinner menu tonight.
- Tony
Nice. I will have to check it out.
- Beth
You should. It’s worth the visit.
- Tony
I’ll make the reservation now.
- Beth
Great. Send me the time when it’s confirmed.
A Canceled Basketball Game
- Tony
Are you still playing basketball tonight?
- Beth
No, the game is canceled.
- Tony
Oh, no. Why is that?
- Beth
The rec hall is reserved for something.
- Tony
That’s too bad. We were all ready to play.
- Beth
I know. Some band is scheduled to play there tonight.
- Tony
Was the game moved to another place?
- Beth
No, another court wasn’t found in time.
- Tony
Then we need a different plan for the evening.
- Beth
We could practice outside, if the weather is good.
- Tony
That works. I’ll message the team now.
- Beth
Great. Everyone should be told before they leave home.
Finishing the Report
- Tony
Is the report done yet?
- Beth
It is almost done. Only the final chart is not finished.
- Tony
When will it be finished?
- Beth
It should be done very soon.
- Tony
The client meeting starts at three, so we need it before then.
- Beth
I understand. The numbers are checked, and the summary is ready.
- Tony
Good. Is the cover page included?
- Beth
Yes, it is included, and the file is saved in the shared folder.
- Tony
Perfect. As soon as it is finished, please get it to me.
- Beth
I will. The minute it’s finished, you’ll get it.
- Tony
Thanks. Then I can print copies for the meeting.
- Beth
No problem. It will be sent before two thirty.
A Broken Office Chair
- Tony
This chair is broken.
- Beth
Who broke it?
- Tony
I don’t know. It was broken when I got here.
- Beth
We need the room for the meeting. Should I throw it out?
- Tony
Not yet. I’ll see if maintenance can fix it.
- Beth
A repair request was already sent last week for another chair.
- Tony
Really? Was that chair fixed?
- Beth
No, it was removed because the repair cost was too high.
- Tony
Then this one may be more trouble than it’s worth.
- Beth
I think so. A new chair can be ordered this afternoon.
- Tony
You may be right. Let’s move this one out of the room.
- Beth
Good idea. It will be marked as broken, so no one uses it.