Passive Voice

Passive Voice

Subjects and Agents

• Subject : the thing or person or concept which the verb is about

• Agent : The one that does the action

Subjects & Agents

- In an active sentence, the agent is usually the subject.

 Jane wrote the letter.

Now look at the passive:

 The letter was written by Jane. 

The subject is now the letter. Jane is not the subject, but she is still the agent.

Multiple Choice

Is this sentence correctly written in Passive voice?

The lesson is taught by the teacher.

• Yes

• No

Multiple Choice

Is this sentence correctly written in Passive voice?

He is taught the lesson.

• Yes

• No

Multiple Choice

Is this sentence correctly written in Passive voice?

They is eaten dinner.

• Yes

• No

Multiple Choice

Is this sentence correctly written in Passive voice?

They ate dinner.

• Yes

• No

Multiple Choice

Is this sentence correctly written in Passive voice?

Dinner is eaten by them.

• Yes

• No