Grammar-P v. A

Which sentence is in active voice?

• My heart has been stolen by Angel.

• Angel stole my heart.

Answer explanation

The first sentence is the one in passive voice. The subject receives the action, and the verb phrase been stolen includes a "to be" verb with a "by..." phrase.

My heart has been stolen by Angel.

The second sentence is in active voice. The subject performs the action, and the verb stole does not include a "to be" verb.

Angel stole my heart.

Which sentence is in active voice?

• Every year shops decorate their windows with red paper hearts, and pink streamers.

• Every year shop windows are decorated with red paper hearts, and pink streamers.

Answer explanation

The first sentence is in active voice. The subject performs the action, and the verb decorate does not include a "to be" verb.

Every year shops decorate their windows with red paper hearts, and pink streamers.

The second sentence is the one in passive voice. The subject receives the action, and the verb phrase are decorated includes a "to be" verb followed by no subject.

Every year shop windows are decorated with red paper hearts, and pink streamers.

-Who decorates the shop windows?

Which sentence is in passive voice?

• Her heart will be won by Jake.

• Jake will win her heart.

Answer explanation

The first sentence is in passive voice. The subject receives the action, and the verb phrase will be includes a "to be" verb with a "by..." phrase.

Her heart will be won by Jake.

The second sentence is in active voice. Although the sentence includes a "to be" verb, the subject performs the action and is at the beginning of the sentence.

Jake will win her heart.

Which sentence is in active voice?

• The dinner reservations are being made by Kris.

• Kris made the dinner reservations.

Answer explanation

The first sentence is in passive voice. The subject receives the action, and the verb phrase are being includes a "to be" verb with a "by..." phrase.

The dinner reservations are being made by Kris.

The second sentence is in active voice. There is no "to be" verb in front of the action, and the subject is at the beginning of the sentence.

Kris made the dinner reservations.

Which sentence is in passive voice?

• Valentine's Day is celebrated by thousands of couples every year.

• Thousands of couples celebrate Valentine's Day every year.

Answer explanation

The first sentence is in passive voice. The subject receives the action, and the verb phrase is celebrated includes a "to be" verb with a "by..." phrase.

Valentine's Day is celebrated by thousands of couples every year.

The second sentence is in active voice. There is no "to be" verb in front of the action, and the subject is at the beginning of the sentence.

Thousands of couples celebrate Valentine's Day every year.

The poem was written by her boyfriend.

• Active

• Passive

Flower shops specialize in creating unique floral arrangements.

• Active

• Passive

Chocolate is a gift loved by many people.

• Active

• Passive

Cupid's bow struck me with love.

• Active

• Passive

Our first trip abroad will always be remembered by me.

• Active

• Passive