How to convert imperative sentences into passive voice

Here we shall talk how to convert imperative sentences into passive voice.

Imperative sentences are the kinds of sentences where we see order, request or suggestion.

If you want to get the detailed account of how to convert such sentences into passive voice please go through this page till the end.

At the end of the page, for your convenience, we also have a youtube video explaining today’s subject.

Definition of imperative sentences

Imperative is the kind of a sentence that denotes a mood of the verb in giving orders or making requests etc.

It means in our daily life we use many such imperative sentences, like;
• Leave him alone.
• Do what she says.
• Open your book at page 125.

How to Convert Imperative sentences into Passive Voice

There are rules to convert any sentence into passive voice. These rules vary with the type of a sentence.

We cannot apply the rules of simple affirmative sentences in to the sentences that give order, opinion, request or suggestion etc.

So in order to convert imperative sentence into passive voice you have to follow the instructions below.
1. Let is used at the beginning of sentence.
2. Past Participle form of verb shall be used in passives.
3. Use of be before verb.

Imperatives have no subject, like; “Come up to my expectations.”, “be silent.” etc. But it doesn’t mean it can’t be used. And if we need to use subject it is always [you], like; “you come here please.” In case we use subject (you) we have to use [by] before it in order to convert it into passive voice.

Examples of active and passive voice in exclamatory sentences

In order to know how to convert imperative sentences into passive voice now you need to have some practical examples so that you can get your point.

In this connection this portion of the lesson shall be very useful for.

There are active and passive voice examples with answers.

Read them carefully and make sure you have copy and pen with you so that you have to make note of these exercises and do practice on your own after getting the practical concept.
• Open your books.
Let your books be opened.
• Take milk.
Let the milk be taken.
• Bring two teas.
Let two teas be brought.
• Don’t offer him anything.
Let him not be offered anything.
• Pick the phone.
Let the phone be picked.
• Don’t buy dress from here.
Let dress not be bought from here.

Imperative sentences exercises with “you” as a subject

• You consider this.
Let this be considered by you.
• You please turn the fan on.
Let the fan be turned on by you please.

Note: Imperatives can be converted into passive voice but this passivization of imperative sentence is considered as bad English, because it cease to be imperative in passive voice. Similarly the use of [you] as subject is a bit unusual.

Active voice with “let” at the beginning

Remember there are certain sentences in which students usually get puzzled.

It is when they come across certain sentences that have “let” at the beginning but they are not passive voice.

Now see some examples;

Examples of active voice with “let”

Passive voice of “let me go” shall be “let me be gone.”

Note: Have you seen we put the word “let” at the beginning of the sentence as usual.

Since the sentence is request therefore it comes under the domain of imperative sentences and therefore we have to apply all the rules that are of imperatives.

Some additional concepts of converting imperative sentences into passive voice

Many students find difficulties in making passive voice of many sentences that they think are of some unusual nature.

For example passive voice of “work hard.” seems difficult to the students. But it is exactly like “go there.” So if you convert “Go there” as “let there be gone” so you have to convert “work hard” into “let hard be worked”.

Similarly passive voice of “get out” should be “let you be got out of here”.

You see, you have to convert a sentence with litter more common sense otherwise “let out be got” seems absurd.

Watch the video of passive voice of imperative sentences in Hindi / Urdu