Active and Passive Voice

Active Voice In active voice, the subject of the sentence does the action. Active voice is simpler and more direct. Active voice is usually more appropriate in sentences than passive. Active voice is more powerful and straightforward than passive voice.

Examples The jury reached a verdict. My mother went shopping last night. John hit the ball out of the park. The early bird catches the worm.

Passive Voice In passive voice, the subject of the sentence receives the action. In passive voice, the subject sometimes disappears from the sentence. Passive voice is mainly used to emphasize the receiver of the action. Passive voice is also used to minimize the importance of the actor.

Examples A verdict was reached by the jury. Destruction was left by the tornado. Many creations were invented by Thomas Edison. The article was written by the editor.

Active or Passive? Joe loves his wife, Amy. I was hit by the baseball. A letter was written to the mayor. She pursued her dreams, even after the accident. The lightning struck the house during the storm.

Answers Joe loves his wife, Amy. Active I was hit by the baseball. Passive A letter was written to the mayor. Passive She pursued her dreams, even after the accident. Active The lightning struck the house during the storm. Active