Passive voice is a grammatical construction in which the subject of a sentence is the receiver of the action, rather than the doer. It is often used to emphasize the object or to shift the focus away from the doer. In passive voice sentences, the verb is formed using a form of the auxiliary verb “to be” followed by the past participle of the main verb. Passive voice can be found in various types of writing, including literature, academic papers, and everyday communication. Understanding passive voice is important for effective writing and communication.
Key Takeaways
| Example | Active Voice | Passive Voice |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The cat chased the mouse. | The mouse was chased by the cat. |
| 2 | She wrote the letter. | The letter was written by her. |
| 3 | They built the house. | The house was built by them. |
| 4 | He cooked dinner. | Dinner was cooked by him. |
| 5 | The teacher praised the student. | The student was praised by the teacher. |
Note: The table above provides examples of active voice sentences and their corresponding passive voice sentences.
Understanding Passive Voice
Passive voice is an important aspect of English grammar rules that involves the use of a different sentence structure compared to the active voice. In passive voice sentences, the subject of the sentence receives the action, rather than performing the action. This can be a useful tool to make your writing more varied and engaging.
Passive Voice Structure
The structure of a passive voice sentence is different from that of an active voice sentence. In passive voice, the subject and the verb are switched around, and the object of the active sentence becomes the subject of the passive sentence. Additionally, the verb is often accompanied by a form of the auxiliary verb “to be” and the past participle of the main verb.
For example:
– Active Voice: “John built the house.”
– Passive Voice: “The house was built by John.”
Use of Passive Voice
Passive voice can be used in various situations to shift the focus of the sentence or to emphasize the object or the action being performed. Here are some common uses of passive voice:
- When the doer of the action is unknown or unimportant:
- “The car was stolen last night.”
-
“Mistakes were made.”
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When the focus is on the action rather than the doer:
- “The cake was baked perfectly.”
-
“The decision was made after careful consideration.”
-
When the subject of the sentence is more important than the doer:
- “The Mona Lisa was painted by Leonardo da Vinci.”
- “The book was written by a renowned author.”
When to Use Passive Voice?
Passive voice is especially useful in certain cases. Here are some instances where passive voice is commonly used:
- When the doer of the action is unknown or irrelevant:
- “The window was broken.”
-
“The letter was sent.”
-
When the focus is on the product or result of the action:
- “The report was submitted.”
-
“The project was completed.”
-
When the doer of the action is obvious or can be inferred:
- “The cake was eaten.”
- “The message was received.”
Where to Use Passive Voice?
Passive voice can be used in various types of writing, including academic writing, professional documents, and even creative writing. It can be particularly useful in situations where the focus is on the action or the result, rather than the person or entity performing the action.
Why Use Passive Voice Instead of Active?
While active voice is generally preferred for its directness and clarity, there are certain situations where passive voice is more appropriate or effective. Here are a few reasons why you might choose to use passive voice instead of active:
- To shift the focus of the sentence:
- Active: “The dog bit the man.”
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Passive: “The man was bitten by the dog.”
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To emphasize the object or the action being performed:
- Active: “She broke the vase.”
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Passive: “The vase was broken.”
-
To create a more formal or objective tone:
- Active: “I believe that…”
- Passive: “It is believed that…”
Passive Voice vs Active Voice
Passive voice and active voice are two different ways to construct sentences in English. They have distinct structures and are used to emphasize different aspects of a sentence. Understanding the difference between passive voice and active voice is important for effective communication and writing skills.
What is Active Voice: Examples
Active voice is a sentence structure where the subject performs the action. It is a straightforward and direct way of expressing an idea. In active voice sentences, the subject is the doer of the action, and the verb is in agreement with the subject.
Here are some examples of active voice sentences:
- The cat chased the mouse. (Subject: The cat, Verb: chased)
- She wrote a beautiful poem. (Subject: She, Verb: wrote)
- They are building a new house. (Subject: They, Verb: are building)
In active voice sentences, the subject is the focus, and the action is clear and concise. Active voice is commonly used in academic writing, as it provides a more direct and engaging tone.
Active Voice vs Passive Voice: Examples
Passive voice, on the other hand, is a sentence structure where the subject receives the action. In passive voice sentences, the subject is not the doer of the action but rather the receiver. The focus is shifted from the subject to the object or the action itself.
Here are some examples of active voice sentences transformed into passive voice sentences:
- The mouse was chased by the cat. (Subject: The mouse, Verb: was chased)
- A beautiful poem was written by her. (Subject: A beautiful poem, Verb: was written)
- A new house is being built by them. (Subject: A new house, Verb: is being built)
In passive voice sentences, the focus is on the action or the object being acted upon. Passive voice is useful when the doer of the action is unknown, unimportant, or when the action itself is more significant than the subject.
Passive Active Voice Sentences: Examples
Passive and active voice sentences can be used interchangeably depending on the context and the emphasis you want to give to the subject or the action. Here are some examples of sentences that demonstrate the use of both passive and active voice:
-
Active Voice: The chef cooked a delicious meal. (Subject: The chef, Verb: cooked)
Passive Voice: A delicious meal was cooked by the chef. (Subject: A delicious meal, Verb: was cooked) -
Active Voice: The teacher explained the lesson clearly. (Subject: The teacher, Verb: explained)
Passive Voice: The lesson was explained clearly by the teacher. (Subject: The lesson, Verb: was explained) -
Active Voice: The company launched a new product. (Subject: The company, Verb: launched)
Passive Voice: A new product was launched by the company. (Subject: A new product, Verb: was launched)
By transforming sentences between active and passive voice, you can vary the sentence structure and focus on different aspects of the sentence. It is important to understand the usage and follow the grammatical rules of each voice to ensure clear and effective communication.
Remember, active voice tends to be more direct and engaging, while passive voice is useful when the focus is on the action or the object being acted upon. Practice using both active and passive voice to enhance your writing skills and improve your overall English language proficiency.
Passive Voice Examples
Passive voice is a grammatical construction in English where the subject of a sentence is the receiver of the action, rather than the doer. It is a useful tool in writing and can be used to focus on the product or the action itself, rather than the person or agent performing the action. By understanding and using passive voice, you can enhance your writing skills and improve your overall English language proficiency.
Passive Voice Examples: Present Indefinite
In the present indefinite tense, the passive voice is formed by using the auxiliary verb “is/are” + past participle. Here are some examples:
- The cake is baked by my mother.
- The report is written by the team.
- The car is driven by John.
Passive Voice Examples: Present Simple
In the present simple tense, the passive voice is formed by using the auxiliary verb “is/are” + past participle. Here are some examples:
- The book is read by many people.
- The house is cleaned every day.
- The movie is watched by millions of viewers.
Passive Voice Examples: Past Simple
In the past simple tense, the passive voice is formed by using the auxiliary verb “was/were” + past participle. Here are some examples:
- The letter was sent yesterday.
- The cake was baked by my grandmother.
- The car was repaired by the mechanic.
Passive Voice Examples: Present Continuous
In the present continuous tense, the passive voice is formed by using the auxiliary verb “is/are being” + past participle. Here are some examples:
- The project is being completed by the team.
- The house is being painted by the workers.
- The food is being cooked in the kitchen.
Passive Voice Examples: Past Continuous
In the past continuous tense, the passive voice is formed by using the auxiliary verb “was/were being” + past participle. Here are some examples:
- The movie was being watched by many people.
- The car was being repaired at the garage.
- The cake was being baked in the oven.
Passive Voice Examples: Present Perfect
In the present perfect tense, the passive voice is formed by using the auxiliary verb “has/have been” + past participle. Here are some examples:
- The work has been completed by the team.
- The report has been submitted to the manager.
- The house has been decorated for the party.
Passive Voice Examples: All Tenses
Passive voice can be used in all tenses of English grammar. Here are some examples in different tenses:
| Tense | Example Sentence |
|---|---|
| Present Simple | The book is read by many people. |
| Past Simple | The letter was sent yesterday. |
| Present Perfect | The work has been completed by the team. |
| Future Simple | The project will be finished by tomorrow. |
| Present Continuous | The house is being painted by the workers. |
| Past Continuous | The movie was being watched by many people. |
| Future Continuous | The event will be attended by VIPs. |
Passive Voice Examples: Interrogative
In interrogative sentences, the passive voice is formed by using the auxiliary verb “is/are/was/were” + subject + past participle. Here are some examples:
- Is the cake baked by my mother?
- Are the tickets being sold online?
- Was the car repaired by the mechanic?
Passive voice is an important aspect of English grammar and can be used to create a variety of sentence structures. By understanding its usage and following the rules, you can effectively incorporate passive voice into your writing and communication.
Passive Voice Examples: Questions
Passive voice is an important aspect of English grammar rules. It is the opposite of active voice and involves a different sentence structure. In passive voice sentences, the subject of the sentence receives the action, rather than performing the action. This can be useful in various situations, such as when the focus is on the product or when the agent performing the action is unknown or less important.
To understand passive voice better, let’s look at some examples:
- Question: Who was the book written by?
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Answer: The book was written by an acclaimed author.
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Question: How is the cake made?
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Answer: The cake is made using a secret family recipe.
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Question: When will the report be submitted?
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Answer: The report will be submitted by the end of the week.
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Question: Why was the car abandoned?
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Answer: The car was abandoned due to engine failure.
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Question: Where was the painting found?
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Answer: The painting was found in a hidden attic.
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Question: What is being discussed in the meeting?
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Answer: The agenda for the meeting is being discussed.
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Question: Who was the letter addressed to?
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Answer: The letter was addressed to the company’s CEO.
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Question: How were the cookies baked?
- Answer: The cookies were baked by a professional pastry chef.
By focusing on the usage of passive voice, we can see how the structure of the sentence changes. In passive voice, the subject of the sentence tends to be the receiver of the action, while the agent or person performing the action is often left out or mentioned less prominently. This can be seen in the examples above, where the focus is on the product or the action itself, rather than the person or agent.
It’s important to note that not all sentences can be transformed into passive voice. The tense and structure of the original sentence play a significant role in determining whether passive voice is appropriate or not. However, understanding the usage of passive voice can be beneficial for language learning, English language teaching, and improving writing skills.
To practice more passive voice examples and exercises, you can find useful resources such as English grammar worksheets, grammar correction exercises, and English lesson plans. These materials can be valuable for English language learners and ESL teaching resources.
Remember, passive voice is just one grammatical construction among many in the English language. By learning to use both active and passive voice effectively, you can enhance your language skills and become a proficient writer.
Special Cases in Passive Voice
Passive voice is an important aspect of English grammar rules. It is the opposite of active voice and involves a different sentence structure where the subject and verb agreement are rearranged. While the general rule for forming passive voice sentences is to use the past participle of the main verb with auxiliary verbs, there are some special cases that require a closer look. In this section, we will explore three special cases in passive voice: Impersonal Passive Voice, Passive Voice in Different Languages, and Passive Voice Exercises using “Will” and “Can” examples.
Impersonal Passive Voice: Examples
Impersonal passive voice is a useful grammatical construction when the focus is on the action itself rather than the person or agent performing the action. It is often used to make a product or outcome the subject of the sentence. In this case, the agent is not mentioned explicitly. Here are a few examples of impersonal passive voice:
- It is said that English is a difficult language to learn.
- It is believed that the new product will be a success.
- It is known that the meeting has been rescheduled.
In these examples, the focus is on the action or information being conveyed rather than the person or people involved.
Passive Voice in Different Languages: Examples in Tamil and Spanish
Passive voice exists in various languages, and its usage may differ from English. Let’s take a look at examples of passive voice in Tamil and Spanish:
Passive Voice in Tamil
In Tamil, the passive voice is formed by using the verb “ஆக” (āka) or “ஆகிய” (ākiya) along with the past participle of the main verb. Here’s an example:
- புதிய புத்தகம் எழுதப்பட்டது (Puthiya puttakam ezhuthappattadhu) – The new book has been written.
Passive Voice in Spanish
In Spanish, the passive voice is formed by using the verb “ser” (to be) followed by the past participle of the main verb. Here’s an example:
- El libro fue escrito (The book was written).
These examples demonstrate how passive voice is used in different languages, showcasing the diversity of grammatical structures across languages.
Passive Voice Exercises: “Will” and “Can” Passive Voice Examples
To further understand the usage of passive voice, let’s explore some exercises using the auxiliary verbs “will” and “can”:
- The cake will be baked by Sarah for the party.
- The car can be repaired by the mechanic tomorrow.
In these examples, the focus is on the action being done to the subject rather than the subject performing the action. These exercises help reinforce the understanding of passive voice and its usage in different contexts.
By exploring these special cases in passive voice, especially the impersonal passive voice, passive voice in different languages, and exercises using “will” and “can,” we can gain a deeper understanding of this grammatical structure. It is important to follow the rules and structures of passive voice to ensure clear and effective communication in writing and speaking.
Passive Voice in Writing
Passive voice is a grammatical construction that focuses on the object of an action rather than the subject. In passive voice sentences, the subject receives the action rather than performing it. This can be a useful tool in certain cases, but it is generally recommended to use active voice for clearer and more engaging writing.
Examples of Passive Voice in Writing
Passive voice can be identified by the use of auxiliary verbs (such as “is,” “are,” “was,” “were,” “has been,” “have been,” etc.) and past participles. Here are a few examples of passive voice sentences:
- The cake was baked by Mary. (Passive)
- The teacher was impressed by the students’ performance. (Passive)
- The report has been submitted by John. (Passive)
In these examples, the focus is on the object or the receiver of the action rather than the person or thing performing the action. This can sometimes make the sentence less clear and less engaging for the reader.
Why is Passive Voice Considered Bad in Writing?
Passive voice is considered bad in writing for several reasons. Firstly, it can make the sentence structure more complex and less straightforward. Active voice, on the other hand, tends to be more direct and easier to understand.
Secondly, passive voice often leaves out the agent or the person performing the action, which can make the sentence less informative. Active voice sentences, with a clear subject and verb agreement, provide more information and engage the reader better.
Lastly, passive voice can sometimes be overused, leading to a monotonous and less dynamic writing style. Active voice, on the other hand, adds energy and liveliness to the writing.
How to Fix Passive Voice: Examples
To transform passive voice sentences into active voice, you can follow these examples:
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Passive: The book was written by Jane.
Active: Jane wrote the book. -
Passive: The car was repaired by the mechanic.
Active: The mechanic repaired the car. -
Passive: The letter has been sent by Sarah.
Active: Sarah sent the letter.
By focusing on the subject and the action rather than the object, active voice sentences make the writing more engaging and the message clearer.
Remember, understanding the usage of passive voice is important, but it is generally recommended to use active voice for more effective communication. By following this rule, you can enhance your writing skills and improve your overall English language proficiency.
So, make sure to pay attention to the structure of your sentences and use active voice whenever possible. This will help you convey your ideas more effectively and engage your readers in a better way.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are Some Examples of Passive Voice?
Passive voice is a grammatical construction in English where the subject of the sentence receives the action rather than performing the action. Here are some examples of passive voice:
- The cake was baked by my sister. (The subject “cake” receives the action “baked.”)
- The report will be submitted tomorrow. (The subject “report” receives the action “submitted.”)
- The car was repaired by the mechanic. (The subject “car” receives the action “repaired.”)
What is Passive Voice: Examples with Answers
Passive voice is a useful grammatical structure in English. It is used to focus on the object or the result of an action rather than the person or thing performing the action. Here are some examples of passive voice with answers:
-
Active Voice: The chef cooked the meal.
Passive Voice: The meal was cooked by the chef. -
Active Voice: They are building a new bridge.
Passive Voice: A new bridge is being built by them. -
Active Voice: She will write the report.
Passive Voice: The report will be written by her.
When to Use Passive Voice: Examples
Passive voice is used in various situations to shift the focus from the person or thing performing the action to the object or result of the action. Here are some examples of when to use passive voice:
- When the doer of the action is unknown or unimportant:
- The window was broken. (We don’t know who broke it.)
-
The book was written in the 19th century. (The author is not important in this context.)
-
When the object or result of the action is more important:
- The cake was eaten by everyone. (The focus is on the cake being eaten, not who ate it.)
- The decision was made by the committee. (The focus is on the decision, not who made it.)
How to Use Passive Voice: Examples
To use passive voice, follow these guidelines:
- Identify the subject and object of the active sentence.
- Place the object of the active sentence as the subject of the passive sentence.
- Use the appropriate form of the verb “to be” (is, was, will be, etc.) and the past participle of the main verb.
- Add the preposition “by” followed by the doer of the action (optional).
Here are some examples of how to use passive voice:
-
Active Voice: They built a new house.
Passive Voice: A new house was built by them. -
Active Voice: She is writing a novel.
Passive Voice: A novel is being written by her. -
Active Voice: The company will launch a new product.
Passive Voice: A new product will be launched by the company.
Remember, using passive voice can be particularly useful in certain cases, such as when the focus is on the result of an action or when the doer of the action is unknown or less important. By understanding the usage and structure of passive voice, you can enhance your writing skills and improve your overall English language proficiency.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the difference between active and passive voice?
Active voice is a sentence structure where the subject performs the action stated by the verb, while in the passive voice, the subject is acted upon by the verb. For instance, “John ate the apple” (active) vs. “The apple was eaten by John” (passive).
2. Can you provide an example of passive voice?
Sure, here is an example of a passive voice sentence: “The book was read by Mary.” In this sentence, the action (reading the book) is performed upon the subject (the book).
3. Why is passive voice often considered bad in writing?
Passive voice isn’t necessarily “bad,” but it can make sentences longer and more complicated. It also shifts the focus away from the subject performing the action, which can lead to confusion. Active voice is generally clearer and more direct.
4. How can I transform a sentence from passive to active voice?
To change a sentence from passive to active voice, identify the subject and the verb, then rearrange the sentence so the subject performs the action. For example, the passive sentence “The cake was eaten by John” becomes “John ate the cake” in active voice.
5. Can you provide an example of active voice?
Sure, here is an example of an active voice sentence: “Mary reads the book.” In this sentence, the subject (Mary) is performing the action (reading the book).
6. What is the structure of a passive voice sentence?
The structure of a passive voice sentence typically follows the pattern: Object + Auxiliary Verb (be) + Past Participle + (by + Subject). For example, “The letter was written by John.”
7. Can you provide examples of passive voice in different tenses?
Yes, here are some examples:
- Present Simple: “The cake is baked by John.”
- Past Simple: “The cake was baked by John.”
- Present Continuous: “The cake is being baked by John.”
- Past Continuous: “The cake was being baked by John.”
8. How can I correct a sentence written in passive voice?
To correct a sentence written in passive voice, identify the subject, the verb, and the object, then rearrange the sentence so the subject performs the action. For example, “The book was read by Mary” can be corrected to “Mary read the book.”
9. Can you provide an example of a passive voice question?
Sure, here is an example of a passive voice question: “Was the book read by Mary?”
10. Can you provide some exercises to practice identifying and correcting passive voice?
Absolutely, here are a few sentences. Try to identify if they are in active or passive voice, and correct them if necessary:
- “The ball was kicked by the boy.”
- “She was given a gift by her friend.”
- “The report is being written by the team.”
- “The song was sung by the choir.”
Hey! I am Arpita Bose Roy. My qualifications are M.A. in English with B. Ed. in both general education and special education. I have 2 years of experience as a “language analyst” at IIT Kharagpur and 4 years of experience as an “Academic Content Developer” at IIT Kharagpur. Currently, I am working as an academic writer at Lambdageeks.