active and passive voice. refreshers subject: noun performing an action in a sentence direct...
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Active and Passive Voice
Refreshers Subject: Noun performing an action in a
sentence Direct Object: Noun receiving the action in a
sentence Verb: Word that expresses action, state, or
relationship
My dad ate the last piece of pie.
Definitions Active Voice
When the subject performs the action of the verb and the direct object is the goal or the recipient
The mechanic fixed the car Passive Voice
When the order of the sentence is changed. The object or goal takes the subject position. The verb is changed to past tense and a to be verb is added. The subject is added to the end with a “by” phrase.
The car was fixed by the mechanic
Example
Someone stole my bicycle.
My bicycle was stolen by someone.
Subject
Direct Object
Verb
Verb (with helping verb)
Direct Object
Subject
Why Is Active Voice Better? Sentences make more sense Writing is less wordy
EXAMPLES: The captives frequently tried to escape. Escape attempts were often made by the captives.
When Passive Voice Works To focus on the person or object receiving the
action If the performer of the action is unknown or
unimportant When the performer is already known, and
naming them would add wordiness
EXAMPLE:Mel Gibson was arrested by the LAPD today.
Which Is Which? Many professional athletes overcame physical
disabilities. Physical disabilities have been overcome by many
professional athletes.
Proof of the planet’s existence was sought by astronomers for years.
For years, astronomers sought proof of the planet’s existence.
I require a full briefing on the nature of the damage. A full briefing on the nature of the damage is
required by me.
A
P
A
P
P
A
Which Is Which? The exact placement of the boundary is
disputed by both countries. Both countries dispute the exact places of the
boundary.
Icebergs hindered the vessel’s southward progress.
The southward progress of the vessel was hindered by the icebergs.
P
A
A
P
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.
Let’s Practice Directions: Change the sentences below to
the passive voice.1. Children cannot open these bottles easily. 2. The government built a road right outside her front
door. 3. Mr. Ross broke the antique vase as he walked
through the store. 4. When she arrived, the changes amazed her. 5. The construction workers are making street repairs
all month long.