1. Active and Passive Voice

2. Verbs have either an active or passive voice.

3. Active Voice  In active voice the subject of the sentence initiates the action.  Active voice is preferred because it makes writing more clear, lively and interesting.  Example of active voice: Jill kicked Jack.

4. Active voice is shorter and more direct. Active: The waiter dropped the tray of food. Passive: The tray of food was dropped by the waiter.

5. Passive Voice  In passive voice the subject of the sentence is acted upon.  Passive voice always contains some form of the verb “to be.” (am, is, are, was were, be, being, been)  Example: Jack was kicked by Jill.

6.  In general, avoid passive voice because it can be wordy, awkward and confusing.  However there are times when you may want to choose the active voice.

7. Reasons to choose the passive voice :  The agent (doer) of the action is unimportant.  The pyramids were built thousands of years ago.  The agent is unknown.  Several robberies were committed during the night

8.  The agent is common knowledge and mentioning it would be redundant.  George Bush was elected in 2000  The writer desires to control focus of the sentence. 1. To de-emphasize the agent’s role in the action.  The alarm was triggered by my son. 2. To emphasize the party receiving the action.  John was being sued by Mary.

9. Quiz Time! Determine whether the following sentences use active or passive voice.

10.  The letter was obviously signed by a stranger.

11.  Passive

12.  The gates in front of the embassy were closed each night.

13.  Passive

14.  The judge suddenly called the lawyers into her chambers.

15.  Active

16.  On our trip across the country, our car will have been driven over 5,000 miles.

17.  Passive

18.  The mayor asked for volunteers to serve on the newly formed committee.

19.  Active