The Passive: Present perfect

Structure

Notice that the "agent", the person who does the action, is usually eliminated in the passive form as unimportant.

Examples: ACTIVE:

You HAVE SIGNED the check.
You HAVEN'T SIGNED the cheque.
HAVE you SIGNED the cheque?

They HAVE PROMOTED John.
They HAVEN'T PROMOTED JOHN.
HAVE they PROMOTED John?

PASSIVE:

The check HAS BEEN SIGNED.
The cheque HASN'T (HAS NOT) BEEN SIGNED.
HAS the cheque BEEN SIGNED?

John HAS BEEN PROMOTED.
John HASN'T (HAS NOT) BEEN PROMOTED
HAS John BEEN PROMOTED?

More examples, especially for golfers:

How long has the game of golf been played at St. Andrews?

It's been played there since 1754.

Titanium has been used a lot in the manufacture of golf clubs in recent years.

Golf courses have been watered regularly this year because it hasn't rained.

The British Open Golf Championship has been held since 1860.

The Open has frequently been played at St. Andrews.