Practice passive verbs with two objects in B2 English. Try targeted exercises, examples, and clear explanations to improve your grammar skills fast.
Passive Verbs with Two Objects Exercises
In English, some verbs can take two objects: a direct object (the thing) and an indirect object (the person who gets it). Knowing how to use these verbs in the passive voice is an important grammar skill for B2 level.
What Are Verbs That Have Two Objects?
Some common verbs that can have two objects are:
- give
- send
- offer
- show
- tell
- lend
- promise
- bring
- teach
Example (active voice):
- She gave me a book.
(me = indirect object, a book = direct object)
Making the Passive with Two Things
We can make two different passive sentences with these verbs:
Passive with the indirect object (more common)
The indirect object turns into the subject.
Active:
- She gave me a book.
Passive:
- I was given a book (by her).
Passive with the direct object
The subject is now the direct object.
Active:
- She gave me a book.
Passive:
- A book was given to me (by her).
Both forms are correct, but the first one sounds more natural in everyday English.
Structure
Passive with indirect object:
Subject (person) + be + past participle + direct object
- He was sent an email.
- They were offered a job.
Passive with direct object:
Subject (thing) + be + past participle + to/for + person
- An email was sent to him.
- A job was offered to them.
Use “to” with verbs like give, send, show, tell
Use “for” with verbs like buy, make, get
When to Use Each Form
- When the person is more important or you already know them, use the indirect object form.
- When you want to stress something or when it’s more important, use the direct object form.
Examples:
- She was taught French at school. (focus on the person)
- French was taught to her at school. (focus on the subject “French”)
A Quick Tip
Use this safe structure if you’re not sure:
The thing + was + past participle + to/for + person
If you learn how to use passive verbs with two objects, you’ll sound more natural and flexible in English. Practice both forms to get better at them and feel more sure of yourself!
