Passive Voice: Present Continuous vs. Present Perfect
The passive can be used in different tenses. Compare these two meanings:
-
The kitchen is being cleaned.
→ The action is happening now. It is not finished yet. -
The kitchen has been cleaned.
→ The action is finished. The result is important now.
Remember:
→ am/is/are being + past participle (V3) = an action in progress
→ have/has been + past participle (V3) = a completed action with a result now
Action happening now → Present continuous passive
Use it when something is being done at the moment of speaking, but we do not know, or do not need to say, who does it.
Structure:
→ am/is/are + being + past participle (V3)
- Don't touch the walls. They are being painted.
- Where's my pizza? – It is being made.
- A new swimming pool is being built here.
- Is the match being played now?
Don't forget:
is being → singular subject
are being → plural subject
- The room is being cleaned.
- The rooms are being cleaned.
Finished action → Present perfect passive
Use it for a completed action when we focus on the present result or current situation.
Structure:
→ has / have + been + past participle (V3)
-
You can use the toilet now. It has been repaired.
→ The repair is finished. - The party has been cancelled because of the weather.
- Five of his books have been translated so far.
- We can't go to the wedding. We haven't been invited.
- Have these bills been paid yet?
- Have you ever been robbed?
Compare:
-
You can't use the toilet now. It is being repaired.
→ The repair is in progress. -
You can use the toilet now. It has been repaired.
→ The repair is finished.
Quick reference
-
am/is/are being + V3
→ action happening now (not finished)
The house is being painted. -
has/have been + V3
→ finished action, result important now
The house has been painted.
