What is a Passive Infinitive and Passive Gerund?
In standard English grammar, both infinitives (e.g., to do, to see) and gerunds (e.g., doing, seeing) function as non-finite verbs that can take on either active or passive forms. While the active form focuses on the subject performing the action, the passive infinitive and passive gerund focus on the action being done to the subject. Mastering these advanced non-finite verb forms allows writers to express complex ideas with clarity, objectivity, and professional formality, especially when the doer of the action is unknown or irrelevant.
Passive Infinitive and Gerund Structure and Formula
To understand these structures, we must break down their precise formulas using standard English abbreviations.
1. How to Form Passive Infinitives
The passive infinitive is generally used after certain verbs, adjectives, or modal verbs where an infinitive is naturally required.
- Standard Formula: S + V1 + to be + V3/V-ed
- Perfect Passive Infinitive Formula (for completed actions): S + V1 + to have been + V3/V-ed
- Example: The report (S) needs (V1-s) to be finished (to be + V-ed) by tomorrow.
- Example with Adjective: She (S) was (V) happy (Adj) to be invited (to be + V-ed).
2. How to Form Passive Gerunds
The passive gerund is typically used after prepositions or after specific verbs that mandate a gerund.
- Standard Formula: S + V1 + being + V3/V-ed
- Perfect Passive Gerund Formula (for completed actions): S + V1 + having been + V3/V-ed
- Example after Verb: He (S) dislikes (V1-s) being told (being + V3) what to do.
- Example after Preposition: We (S) are tired (Adj) of being ignored (being + V-ed).
When to Use Passive Infinitives vs. Passive Gerunds
Choosing between an infinitive or a gerund depends entirely on the "trigger" word (the main verb, adjective, or preposition) that comes immediately before it.
Trigger Words for Passive Infinitives
Use to be + V3 after:
1. Verbs of desire and expectation: want, expect, hope, need, arrange, decide.
* Example: He hopes to be promoted soon.
2. Adjectives expressing emotion or difficulty: glad, happy, sad, difficult, easy.
* Example: It is difficult to be understood in a noisy room.
3. Modal Verbs (for future/general obligations): must, should, can, will.
* Example: The truth must be told.
Trigger Words for Passive Gerunds
Use being + V3 after:
1. Verbs of feeling or avoidance: avoid, enjoy, dislike, mind, resent, risk.
* Example: She avoids being seen in public.
2. All Prepositions: about, for, in, of, on, without, by, forward to.
* Example: He is afraid of being caught.
* Example: I look forward to being interviewed. (Note: 'to' here is a preposition, not an infinitive marker!)
How to Tell the Difference Between "Need + Gerund" and "Need + Passive Infinitive"
One of the most confusing structures involves the verb need (and occasionally want or require). In advanced grammar, you can express a passive idea using an active-looking gerund.
- Need + Passive Infinitive: The standard, formal way.
- Formula: S (Object receiving action) + need/s + to be + V3/V-ed
- Example: The car needs to be washed.
- Need + Gerund (Active Form, Passive Meaning): A very common alternative that sounds slightly more conversational but means the exact same thing.
- Formula: S (Object receiving action) + need/s + V-ing
- Example: The car needs washing.
Comparison Box: Both "The house needs painting" and "The house needs to be painted" are 100% grammatically equivalent.
Real-life Examples of Passive Infinitives and Gerunds Usage
- Academic / Corporate: "The experiment was expected to have been completed by May." (Perfect Passive Infinitive)
- Business: "We apologize for the delay, but we appreciate being given extra time." (Passive Gerund)
- Everyday Speech: "Nobody likes being lied to." (Passive Gerund)
Summary & Cheatsheet for Passive Infinitives and Gerunds
| Non-Finite Form | Trigger | Formula | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Passive Infinitive | want, expect, glad, modals | to be + V3/V-ed | I want to be chosen. |
| Perfect Passive Inf. | actions completed before main verb | to have been + V3 | He is lucky to have been saved. |
| Passive Gerund | avoid, dislike, all prepositions | being + V3/V-ed | She hates being interrupted. |
| Perfect Passive Gerund | actions completed earlier | having been + V3 | He denied having been told the news. |
| Need / Want | things needing physical attention | Need + V-ing | The floor needs sweeping. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use "having been + V3" instead of "being + V3"?
Yes, but they express different timelines. Use being + V3 for general actions or actions happening at the same time as the main verb. Use having been + V-ed (Perfect Passive Gerund) to emphasize that the passive action happened before the main verb.
Example: He is angry about being ignored (right now).
Example: He is angry about having been ignored (yesterday).
Why do we say "look forward to being" instead of "look forward to be"?
This is a classic grammar trap. The word "to" in the phrase "look forward to" is a preposition, not part of a "to infinitive". Because prepositions must always be followed by nouns or gerunds (-ing forms), you must use the gerund form: We look forward to being invited.
Is "The car needs washed" grammatically correct?
In standard global English grammar, no. The correct forms are either The car needs washing (gerund) or The car needs to be washed (passive infinitive). However, saying "needs washed" is a recognized regional dialect feature in certain parts of Scotland, Northern Ireland, and parts of the United States (like Pennsylvania), but it must be avoided in formal writing and international testing.