Embedded Files
EnglishWithLatini.com
Active Voice vs. Passive Voice
Active Voice vs. Passive Voice
Active and passive voice are ways of structuring sentences, specifically focusing on the relationship between the subject and the action of the sentence.
Active Voice
Active Voice
In active voice, the subject of the sentence performs the action described by the verb. This structure is direct and often more engaging.
Formula:
Subject + Verb + Object
Examples:
The dog chased the ball.
(The subject, "the dog," is actively chasing the ball.)She completed the project on time.
(The subject, "she," is actively completing the project.)
Passive Voice
Passive Voice
In passive voice, the subject of the sentence receives the action of the verb. Passive sentences often include a form of the verb "to be" and the past participle of the main verb.
Formula:
Object + "To Be" Verb + Past Participle + (by + Subject)
Examples:
The ball was chased by the dog.
(The object, "the ball," is now the focus, receiving the action of being chased.)The project was completed on time by her.
(The object, "the project," is the focus, and it is completed by someone.)
Key Differences
Key Differences
Focus:
Active Voice: Focuses on who is doing the action.
Passive Voice: Focuses on the object or recipient of the action.
Clarity and Directness:
Active Voice: More concise and clear.
Passive Voice: Often wordier and less direct.
When to Use Each
When to Use Each
Active Voice is preferred in most writing because it is clearer and more engaging.
Passive Voice can be useful when the doer of the action is unknown or unimportant, or when the focus is on the action itself.
Examples of appropriate passive voice use:
The cookies were baked this morning. (The baker is unimportant.)
A decision will be made soon. (The decision-maker is not specified.)
By identifying the subject and whether it performs or receives the action, you can distinguish between active and passive voice in your writing!
Not one of these people say "I made a mistake" or "we made a mistake"
-------------
1. Active:
1. Active:
The architect designed the modern art museum with innovative sustainability features.
Passive: The modern art museum was designed by the architect with innovative sustainability features.
2. Active:
2. Active:
Researchers discovered a new species of orchid in the Amazon rainforest.
Passive: A new species of orchid was discovered in the Amazon rainforest by researchers.
3. Active:
3. Active:
The CEO announced a comprehensive plan to restructure the organization.
Passive: A comprehensive plan to restructure the organization was announced by the CEO.
4. Active:
4. Active:
The poet crafted a masterpiece that resonated deeply with readers.
Passive: A masterpiece that resonated deeply with readers was crafted by the poet.
5. Active:
5. Active:
Historians unearthed valuable manuscripts from the 14th century in the ancient library.
Passive: Valuable manuscripts from the 14th century were unearthed in the ancient library by historians.
6. Active:
6. Active:
The composer infused the symphony with emotional depth and intricate harmonies.
Passive: The symphony was infused with emotional depth and intricate harmonies by the composer.
7. Active:
7. Active:
The jury deliberated for hours before reaching a unanimous verdict.
Passive: A unanimous verdict was reached by the jury after hours of deliberation.
8. Active:
8. Active:
The artist painted a mural that transformed the entire neighborhood.
Passive: A mural that transformed the entire neighborhood was painted by the artist.
9. Active:
9. Active:
The investigative journalist exposed the corruption scandal through an in-depth report.
Passive: The corruption scandal was exposed through an in-depth report by the investigative journalist.
10. Active:
10. Active:
The committee revised the policy to address emerging challenges in education.
Passive: The policy was revised by the committee to address emerging challenges in education.
These pairs clearly illustrate the active voice's directness and focus on the subject performing the action versus the passive voice's focus on the action or the object receiving it.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse