Active & Passive Voice

The policemen searched the area by foot and car.

• Passive

• Active

Tags

CCSS.L.2.1F

CCSS.L.8.1B

CCSS.L.8.1D

CCSS.L.8.3A

Lola is presenting at the workshop.

• Passive

• Active

Tags

CCSS.L.2.1F

CCSS.L.8.1B

CCSS.L.8.1D

CCSS.L.8.3A

The poem was read to the class.

• Active

• Passive

Tags

CCSS.L.2.1F

CCSS.L.8.1B

CCSS.L.8.1D

CCSS.L.8.3A

The pasta was made by Karen.

• Passive

• Active

Tags

CCSS.L.2.1F

CCSS.L.8.1B

CCSS.L.8.1D

CCSS.L.8.3A

The dog bit the little boy.

• Passive

• Active

Tags

CCSS.L.2.1F

CCSS.L.8.1B

CCSS.L.8.1D

CCSS.L.8.3A

Change to Active:

The tree was planted by the gardener.

• A tree planted by the gardener.

• The tree was planted.

• The gardener planted the tree.

Tags

CCSS.L.2.1F

CCSS.L.8.1B

CCSS.L.8.1D

CCSS.L.8.3A

Change to Active:

The novel was written by J.K Rowling.

• The writing of the novel was done by J.K Rowling.

• J.K Rowling wrote the novel.

Tags

CCSS.L.2.1F

CCSS.L.8.1B

CCSS.L.8.1D

CCSS.L.8.3A

Mrs. Deal was attacked by zombies.

• active
• passive

Tags

CCSS.L.2.1F

CCSS.L.8.1B

CCSS.L.8.1D

CCSS.L.8.3A

Why do we sometimes HAVE to write in passive voice?

• We don't know who completed the action.

• We don't know who received the action.

Active voice is

• more concise

• less clear

• the worst option

• more confusing