Passive infinitive (to be done)
Passive infinitive (to be done) means “Passive infinitive: to be + past participle, used when the subject of the infinitive receives the action”. The passive infinitive is to be + past participle. Formation: to be + past participle
Passive infinitive: to be + past participle, used when the subject of the infinitive receives the action
B1Formation
to be + past participle
Explanation
The passive infinitive is to be + past participle. We use it when the subject of the infinitive receives the action instead of doing it: There's a lot to be done (the work is done by someone). It often follows want, need, have to, and there is/are: He wants to be promoted. Compare the active infinitive to do, where the subject acts, with to be done, where the subject is acted on.
Examples
Note
After there is/are and words like something and nothing, both forms are common: nothing to do (active) and nothing to be done (passive) can each be correct depending on meaning.
FAQ
Passive infinitive (to be done) — what does it mean and how is it used?
Passive infinitive: to be + past participle, used when the subject of the infinitive receives the action. The passive infinitive is to be + past participle. We use it when the subject of the infinitive receives the action instead of doing it: There's a lot to be done (the work is done by someone). It often follows want, need, have to, and there is/are: He wants to be promoted. Compare the active infinitive to do, where the subject acts, with to be done, where the subject is acted on.
Passive infinitive (to be done) — how do you form it?
to be + past participle
Passive infinitive (to be done) — any usage notes?
After there is/are and words like something and nothing, both forms are common: nothing to do (active) and nothing to be done (passive) can each be correct depending on meaning.