1. What’s the difference? Whether a sentence is written in passive voice or active voice, it has the same meaning. Active voice is just a clearer way of saying it. Passive voice – “Several books were written by the author.” Active voice – “The author wrote several books.” Active vs. Passive Voice

2. Your goal is to use mostly active voice. 1.Circle the following linking and helping verbs / verb phrases if they appear in your essay: Active vs. Passive Voice was were have been will have been is being has been had been

3. 2. Revise to remove these verbs from your sentences. Figure out what the action verb is and emphasize the action. Ex: The squirrel was chased by the dog. Revision: The dog chased the squirrel. Active vs. Passive Voice passive action verb Now, the one doing the action (the dog) is the subject of the sentence.

4. Try to replace these verbs with more “active” verbs. This will make your writing more vivid. Ex: He was sick all weekend. He coughed and sneezed all weekend. The car had just been washed. The freshly-washed car gleamed in the sun. Active vs. Passive Voice