1. Active vs. Passive Voice Active means the verb’s subject performs the action: USA constructed the space station. (Subj) (action V) Passive means the subject receives the action: The space station was constructed by the USA. (receiver of action) (V phrase)

2. Who cares?  Writing in the passive voice makes your writing weak and lifeless.  Use the active voice to have strong writing with descriptive action verbs.  Using active voice grabs the reader’s attention.

3. How to fix it 1. Figure out the verb and who does the action. The space station is lived in by astronauts. 2. Move the performer of the action in front of the verb. Astronauts live in the space station. 3. Make sure the verb agrees in number with the new subject. Astronauts live in the space station. (plural subj + plural v)

4. Try it! Change the passive sentences to active sentences. Use p. 289 in the LN to help you. 1. The SGA is run by the students of BWHS. 2. A good time was had by all. 3. Passive sentences are written by weak writers.

5. Try it! Change the active sentences to passive sentences. Use p. 289 in the LN to help you. 1. My big sister ignored me. 2. She likes my little brother.