Active vs. Passive Voice English 3 – Mr. McGowan

Which of these groups of sentences is more direct? 1. Clouds were forecast by the weatherman. 2. Accidents are caused by carelessness. 3. The letter will be written by her. 4. The chocolates were eaten by the children. 5. The dog was washed by us.

GROUP 2 1. The weatherman forecasted clouds. 2. Carelessness causes accidents. 3. She will write the letter. 4. The children ate the chocolates. 5. We washed the dog.

VOICE When the person/thing DOING the action is the SUBJECT of the sentence = ACTIVE VOICE When the person/thing involved is having the action DONE TO THEM = PASSIVE VOICE

Passive Voice “Passive voice is wonderful for politicians, bureaucrats, and cowards.” – John Schulz It allows us to avoid all responsibility! Ex: My research paper is not done. (It’s not YOUR fault. The research paper simply isn’t done. Who was supposed to do it is irrelevant. You have avoided the responsibility.)

Classic examples of avoiding responsibility with passive voice “Mistakes were made.” The ball was hit. Damage was done. The window was broken.

Rewrite in ACTIVE voice 1. The painting was admired by Jenessa. 2. Euros are used as money by many Europeans. 3. The field goal was missed by the kicker.

Is it ever okay to use passive voice? YES – to avoid using the vague word “they” They grow oranges in Florida. (Who are THEY? Vague and unclear) Oranges are grown in Florida.

Other reasons to use passive voice UNKNOWN PERSON DID ACTION An anonymous letter was sent to the police chief. DON’T WANT TO ASSIGN BLAME Many errors were made in the game. (say, a high school game)

Keep as passive or make active? A new watch was worn by Mike. Dollars are used in the United States. Five restaurants were inspected recently. An eagle was painted on one.

Assignment Classwork: Active and passive voice worksheet. Keep in notes. HW: Exercise 8.11 – WRITE OUT SENTENCES.