Grrrmar Warm-up: Active vs. Passive Voice Definition: In an active sentence, the person or thing performing an action is usually mentioned early in a sentence. In a passive sentence, the performer is not named or gets less notice. (Barron’s) Note: Active voice is preferable, and it avoids using forms of the verb “to be.” Example: Passive: Two months were spent rehearsing for the concert. Active: For two months the marching band rehearsed for the concert. Application: Put these sentences in the active voice: The backyard was covered by dead leaves. The situation in Syria was discussed by us. The Golden Fleece was pursued by Jason and the Argonauts. Pizza was ordered by more than twenty diners on Saturday night. iamthegrammarpolice.blogspot.com coursesite.uhcl.edu