Using Active and
Passive Voice
Verbs and Voice
Voice is the form a verb
takes to indicate
whether the subject of
the verb performs or
receives the action.
There are two types of
voice: active voice and
passive voice.
Active Voice
Active voice is used to show that the
subject of the sentence is performing
or causing the action.
Example:
John threw the basketball before the
buzzer.
John shot the basketball from the free
throw line.
John scored three points.
Passive Voice
Passive voice is used when the subject
is the recipient of the action.
Example:
The ball was thrown by John.
The basket was shot by John.
The score was made by John.
Why does it matter?
STRONG
WRITING USES
ACTIVE VOICE!!!!
Why does it matter?
Active voice is more direct and concise.
Passive voice is usually wordier.
When would you WANT to use
passive voice?
When intentionally trying to hide the subject of the
sentence.
For example, a politician might say, “The mistake was
made by someone.” Hiding the subject helps him/her
hide the blame.
When intentionally trying to minimize the guilt of the
subject.
For example, a cheating boyfriend might say, “Cheating
was committed by me.”
When passive voice better emphasizes the main point of
the message, such as “Children were harmed by the
drunk driver.”
Form of Passive Voice Verbs
The passive voice requires a "double verb"
and will always consist of a form of the
verb "to be" and the past participle
(usually the "en/ed/t" form) of another
verb.
Example:
Active: John baked the bread.
Passive: The bread was baked by
John. (Was is a form of the verb
“be”.)
Form of Passive Voice Verbs
Writers should be familiar with the
forms of "to be" , often called linking
verbs, so that they can easily identify
the passive voice in their work.
Review the forms of "to be":
am, is, are, was, were, be,
being, been
Let’s Practice
Label the following sentences ACTIVE or PASSIVE.
1. Louise made the chocolate cake.
2. The chocolate cake was made by Louise.
3. The package was advertised by the travel agent.
4. The travel agent advertised the package.
5. The chain was broken by my brother.
6. My brother broke the chain on my bike.
7. I hemmed the prom dress.
8. The prom dress was hemmed by me.
9. The pencil on the floor was broken by him.
10.He broke the pencil on the floor.
Let’s Practice
Directions: Change the sentences below to
the active voice.
1. The statue is being visited by hundreds of
tourists every year.
2. My books were stolen by someone yesterday.
3. These books had been left in the classroom by
a careless student.
4. Coffee is raised in many parts of Hawaii by
plantation workers.
5. The house had been broken into by someone
while the owners were on vacation.
