Active and Passive Voice

1. Active and Passive Voice

2. 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 atethe last piece of pie.

3. Definitions • Active Voice • When the subject performs the action of the verb and the direct object is the goal or the recipient • Themechanicfixedthe 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 wasfixedby the mechanic

4. Example Someonestole my bicycle. My bicycle was stolenby someone. Direct Object Verb Subject Direct Object Subject Verb (with helping verb)

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. Which Is Which? A P • 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. P A A P

8. 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

9. Let’s Practice • Directions: Change the sentences below to the active voice. • The statue is being visited by hundreds of tourists every year. • My books were stolen by someone yesterday. • These books had been left in the classroom by a careless student. • Coffee is raised in many parts of Hawaii by plantation workers. • The house had been broken into by someone while the owners were on vacation.

10. Let’s Practice • Directions: Change the sentences below to the passive voice. • Children cannot open these bottles easily. • The government built a road right outside her front door. • Mr. Ross broke the antique vase as he walked through the store. • When she arrived, the changes amazed her. • The construction workers are making street repairs all month long.