Active and Passive Voice

Active and Passive Voice

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Verb voice refers to the relationship between the subject of the sentence and the verb.

In active voice, the subject is the do-er of the action.

• Ex.  Katie read the library book.

  • Active voice is the voice most commonly used in writing.

In passive voice, the subject is the receiver of the action.

• Ex. The library book was read by Katie.

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  • Sentences written in passive voice are less direct and exciting than sentences written in active voice.

Passive voice may be a better choice when:

• 1. The do-er of the action is unknown, unwanted, or unneeded in the sentence.

  • Ex. The ballots have been counted.

• 2. The action is emphasized, rather than the do-er of the action.

  • Ex. The high-jump record was finally broken last Saturday.

• 3. It is sometimes used for sentence variety.

Decide whether each sentence is written in active or passive voice.

Multiple Choice

The field trip was arranged by my homeroom teacher.

• active voice

• passive voice

Multiple Choice

My very active dog chased a tennis ball across the grass.

• active voice

• passive voice

Multiple Choice

The new magazine contained many creative ideas.

• active voice

• passive voice

Multiple Choice

Lauren and Sarah purchased tickets for the upcoming play.

• active voice

• passive voice

Multiple Choice

Many scoring attempts were made by the opposing team.

• active voice

• passive voice

Multiple Choice

The project was completed by a team of experts.

• active voice

• passive voice

Multiple Choice

Grandma knitted the white wool sweater.

• active voice

• passive voice

Multiple Choice

I pushed the heavy shopping cart through the parking lot.

• active voice

• passive voice

Multiple Choice

The drain was unclogged by the plumber.

• active voice

• passive voice

Multiple Choice

The famous actor was swarmed by several excited fans.

• active voice

• passive voice