1. Active and Passive Voice
Grammar

2. Defining “Voice”
“Voice” is a characteristic of verbs which indicates the relation of the verb’s action to its subject.
The voice of a verb may be either “active” or “passive.”

3. Active Voice
Active voice verbs are used when the subject is acting in a sentence.
Example:
Cindy steered the boat.
“Steered” is an active verb because it allows the subject to undertake an action.

4. Passive Voice
“Passive voice” verbs are used when the subject is being acted upon in a sentence.
Example:
The mountain’s peak was reached by Ed Danvers.
“Was reached” are considered passive because they indicate that the subject (peak) is receiving an action.

5. Review
Active voice verbs: Verbs that indicate the sentence’s subject as actively acting:
Marvin hit the ball.
Passive voice verbs: Verbs that indicated the sentence’s subject as being acted upon:
The ball was hit by Marvin

6. Any Questions???

7. Quiz Decide which of the following sentences use the passive voice and which sentences use the active voice.
Example:
-Before I began my research, only German fascism was studied by me.
Passive construction
-Before I began my research, I only studied German fascism.

8. Professor Warren assigned each group a research project.
Active
Professor Warren assigned each group a research project

9. For the opening flag ceremony, a dance was choreographed by Kema Jones to Bill Withers’ song “Lean on Me.”
Passive Construction
For the opening flag ceremony, Kema Jones choreographed a dance to Bill Withers’ song “Lean on Me.”

10. When the tickets are ready, the travel agent notifies the client.
Active

11. Seismologists have examined data concerning the recent earthquake, and reports will be filed.
Active
Seismologists have examined data concerning the recent earthquake, and they will file reports.

12. Problems of famine, pollution, dwindling resources, and arms control were discussed by the senator.
- Passive construction

13. Whenever an error was found by Mrs
Whenever an error was found by Mrs. Clark, the entire paper had to be rewritten by the student.
Passive Construction
Whenever an error was found by Mrs. Clark, the student had to rewrite the entire paper.

14. Any questions?