Passive constructions are used when the speaker wants to focus not on the subject but on the action itself and the object receiving this action:

 

Millions of people play mobile games every day (focus on “millions of people”).

 

Mobile games are played by millions of people every day (focus on “mobile games are played”).

 

Butter is made from milk.

 

The telephone was invented by Alexander Bell.

 

Positive statements with passive constructions are built using various forms of ‘be’ (is, are, were, etc.) + the past participle form of the verb:

 

The office is cleaned every day.

 

I was born in 1980.

 

These castles were built by our ancestors.

 

To make negative statements with passive constructions, use:

 

subject + form of ‘be’ + not + the past participle form of the verb.

 

I was not offered any job.

 

That bird is not usually seen in our region.

 

They weren’t invited to the party last Saturday.

 

To make questions with passive constructions, use:

 

(Question word) + form of ‘be’ + subject + the past participle form of the verb

 

Where were you born?

 

Was anybody injured in the accident?

 

Were you paid when you finished your work?