Passive vs Active Voice

The Differences Between Active and Passive Voice Active voice is a normal sentence in which the subject precedes the verb Passive voice is a sentence in which the subject follows the verb (usually in the form of a prepositional phrase) OR the subject is missing altogether. Instead of the subject being at the beginning of the sentence, the object takes the subject’s place. Example: The paints were used by the painter The painter used the paints

The Differences Between Active and Passive Voice In active voice, the verb used is a present or past tense verb often without a helping “to be” verb In passive voice, the verb used needs a helping “to be” verb Example: The paints were used by the painter The painter used the paints

In the first section of practice, identify whether the sentence is active or passive and explain your conclusion.

The package was sent by my mother. Let’s Practice The package was sent by my mother.

She is walking to the store. Let’s Practice She is walking to the store.

Someone bought flowers for me. Let’s Practice Someone bought flowers for me.

The speech was given by the girl. Let’s Practice The speech was given by the girl.

The bed was lined with pillows. Let’s Practice The bed was lined with pillows.

Let’s Practice The soldier was shot.

We were drinking cold chocolate milk. Let’s Practice We were drinking cold chocolate milk.

A photo was taken by the man. Let’s Practice A photo was taken by the man.

Nancy and Tammy are going to the dance. Let’s Practice Nancy and Tammy are going to the dance.

The cake was dripping with icing. Let’s Practice The cake was dripping with icing.

The riddle was solved by the crafty student. Let’s Practice The riddle was solved by the crafty student.

The object was purchased before I arrived. Let’s Practice The object was purchased before I arrived.

Using Active & Passive Voice Does this mean that passive voice is “wrong”? Answer: Not necessarily. When it comes to a formal piece of writing, it’s best to keep the voice active. In fiction, the line is a little less rigid. You can use passive voice, but you should be aware that you are doing it. Other reasons to use passive voice: If the object is more important than the subject in your sentence You don’t know the subject that committed the action (example: Jenny was robbed.)

In the second section of practice, identify whether the sentence is active or passive, and rewrite the sentence to make it the opposite. Then explain which sentence you liked better and why.

Someone punched my friend. Let’s Practice Someone punched my friend.

They asked Tammy a lot of questions. Let’s Practice They asked Tammy a lot of questions.

My lunch is served by a very nice lady. Let’s Practice My lunch is served by a very nice lady.

The gum was chewed by the cheerleader. Let’s Practice The gum was chewed by the cheerleader.

The bullet pierced the armor. Let’s Practice The bullet pierced the armor.

The sand was blown by the wind. Let’s Practice The sand was blown by the wind.

Let’s Practice Her wallet was stolen.

The fans cheered the team to victory. Let’s Practice The fans cheered the team to victory.

Trees were being thrashed around by the wind. Let’s Practice Trees were being thrashed around by the wind.

Let’s Practice I sewed a sweater.

My hair was pushed aside by the gentle breezes. Let’s Practice My hair was pushed aside by the gentle breezes.

The air is filling with smoke. Let’s Practice The air is filling with smoke.