Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, learners will be able to:
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Understand the structure of the past perfect continuous tense in passive voice.
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Recognize appropriate contexts to use this tense.
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Use it correctly in writing and formal communication.
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Differentiate between active and passive forms of the past perfect continuous.
Understanding the Past Perfect Continuous Passive
The Past Perfect Continuous Passive Voice is rarely used in everyday communication because it’s complex and often sounds unnatural. However, it can appear in formal or written English, especially in technical, scientific, or bureaucratic contexts.
Structure
Object + had been + being + past participle
Formula:
Subject + had been being + past participle (V3)
Examples
| Active Voice | Passive Voice |
|---|---|
| They had been questioning the suspect for two hours. | The suspect had been being questioned for two hours. |
| Someone had been cleaning the room all day. | The room had been being cleaned all day. |
Use passive when the focus is on the action or result, not on the doer.
Important Notes
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Passive voice of the past perfect continuous is grammatically correct but very uncommon.
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In most situations, native speakers avoid using this tense in passive form by:
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Rephrasing the sentence.
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Using past perfect passive instead (which is simpler).
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6. Comparison: Active vs. Passive
| Aspect | Active Voice | Passive Voice |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | had been + verb-ing | had been being + V3 |
| Example | She had been repairing the car. | The car had been being repaired. |
Sentence Types
Affirmative:
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The documents had been being prepared before the audit.
Negative:
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The documents had not been being prepared before the audit.
Interrogative:
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Had the documents been being prepared before the audit?
Usage in Real Communication
Formal/Written Use:
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Technical reports
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Legal or bureaucratic documentation
Example:
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“The system had been being monitored for anomalies prior to the breach.”
Not recommended in casual conversation:
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Instead, say: “The system had been monitored…”
