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Passive Voice and Active Voice

The document explains the differences between passive and active voice in English sentence construction. In passive voice, the object becomes the subject and the doer is often omitted, while in active voice, the subject performs the action directly. The document also provides guidelines on how to effectively write in both voices.

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Cyubahiro Joshua
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23 views

Passive Voice and Active Voice

The document explains the differences between passive and active voice in English sentence construction. In passive voice, the object becomes the subject and the doer is often omitted, while in active voice, the subject performs the action directly. The document also provides guidelines on how to effectively write in both voices.

Uploaded by

Cyubahiro Joshua
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Passive Voice and Active Voice:

Passive voice and active voice are two different ways of constructing sentences in
English. The choice between these two voices depends on the intended meaning and
the clarity of expression. In passive voice, the object of the sentence becomes the
subject, and the doer of the action is expressed by a separate verb or a participle. In
contrast, active voice places the doer of the action as the subject of the sentence.

Passive Voice:

1. The ball was thrown by John. (John is the doer of the action, but is not mentioned
as the subject.)
2. The cake was eaten by all. (All are the doers of the action, but are not mentioned
as the subjects.)
3. The error was made by him. (He is not mentioned as the subject, but he is
responsible for making an error.)
4. The car was driven fast by my brother. (My brother is not mentioned as the
subject, but he is performing the action.)
5. The letter was written last night. (The letter is not doing anything in this sentence,
but it is receiving an action.)

To form a passive voice sentence: Identify the object or receiver of the action; make it
your subject; use “be” + past participle to form passive verb; use “by” + agent to show
who performs or causes an action. For example: “The book was written by John.”

Active Voice:

1. John threw the ball. (John is both doing and being identified as performing an
action.)
2. All ate the cake. (All are both doing and being identified as performing an action.)
3. He made an error. (He is both doing and being identified as performing an
action.)
4. My brother drove fast in his car. (My brother is both doing and being identified as
performing an action.)
5. Last night I wrote a letter.(I am both doing and being identified as performing an
action)

Active Voice
In active voice, the subject of the sentence performs the action. The structure of an
active voice sentence is straightforward: Subject + Verb + Object. Active voice
sentences are direct, concise, and often more engaging for readers because they
clearly show who or what is performing the action.

Example of an active voice sentence: “The chef (subject) prepared (verb) a delicious
meal (object).”

When writing in active voice, it is important to focus on using strong verbs that clearly
convey the action being performed by the subject. This helps make your writing more
dynamic and engaging.

Passive Voice

In passive voice, the subject of the sentence receives the action. The structure of a
passive voice sentence is: Object of the action + Verb (usually a form of “to be”) + Past
Participle Verb + By + Subject (optional). Passive voice is often used when the focus is
on the receiver of the action rather than the doer.

Example of a passive voice sentence: “The delicious meal (object) was prepared (verb)
by the chef (subject).”

Passive voice can be useful in situations where it is more appropriate to emphasize


what happened rather than who performed the action. However, overusing passive
voice can lead to unclear or awkward sentences.

How to Write in Active Voice

1. Identify the subject performing the action.


2. Choose strong and specific verbs that clearly convey the action.
3. Place the subject before the verb in your sentence.
4. Keep your sentences concise and direct.

How to Write in Passive Voice

1. Identify what or who is receiving the action.


2. Use a form of “to be” along with a past participle verb.
3. Optionally include the doer of the action after “by” if necessary.
4. Consider whether using passive voice enhances clarity or emphasis in your
writing.

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