When we write in the active voice, we use verbs to illustrate an action. This is most common way we use these parts of speech. Verbs can also be used to describe a state of being or happening rather than having it carry out an action this is the passive form. We do not commonly use this form in writing. This form of writing purposefully avoids the first person account. When determining if a sentence is in active or passive voice, the use of any version of "to be" before a verb, such as "had been seen by" or "were sent by" is a good indicator of passive voice.
Teach your students the difference between the two voices, as well as good times to use each, with the exercises in the following collection of worksheets. Questionnaires and answer keys are provided. Note: Passive voice is used by many crime reporters in newspapers when specific perpetrators are unknown but the facts must be presented.
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Print Active and Passive Voice Worksheets
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Determine if each sentence is written in active or passive voice. Underline the "doer" in each sentence. Remember, the "doer" may not be the subject of the sentence.
First understand the intent of the sentence, than switches the intent of the sentence.
What Are the Differences Between Active and Passive Voice?
In the English language, a voice of a sentence decides if the verb in it is working actively or passively. The order of the words changes with the change in voice. Both the terms acknowledge the shift in the focus of the verb and the subject used in a sentence.
The manner in which communicate often effects how that message is received and acted upon. The term voice, when it comes to grammar, is used to describe the nature of the relationship between a verb and the subject and the object it is related to. How that voice presents determine the level of clarity of the message. It is a best practice to an active voice in your language when you are attempting to be crystal clear. Using the passive voice can create a way for us to avoid repetition or redundancy.
For example:
Active {A}: John changed the bedsheet. Passive {P}: The bedsheet was changed by John.
The focus in the first sentence above was on John, the sentence's subject. While in the passive sentence, you will notice that the verb changing has taken the spotlight.
Word Orders for Active Voice
For a sentence to be in in this form, the subject must come first and act upon the verb. Following word orders are given according to the tenses:
Present Perfect Tense: Subject-(has/have)- verb's past participle form–object
Example: I have played badminton.
Past Tense: Subject-verb in past form-object
Example: I played badminton.
Past Continuous Tense: Subject-(was/were)-verb's present participle form-object
Example: I was playing badminton.
Past Perfect Tense: Subject-had- verb's past participle form-object.
Example: I had played badminton.
Future Tense: Subject-will-verb-Object
Example: I will play badminton.
Future Perfect Tense: Subject-will have- verb's past participle form-object
Example: I will have played badminton.
Word orders for Passive Voice
In sentences with this form, the subject is acted upon by the verb. The focus is on the verb while the subject is a recipient. Following word orders are described with the example of passive voice:
Present Tense: Object-(is/am/are)-verb's past participle form-by-subject
Example: Badminton is played by me.
Present Continuous tense: Object-(is/am/are)-being- verb's past participle form-by-subject
Example: badminton is being played by me.
Present perfect tense: Object-(has/have)-(been)-verb's past participle form-by-subject
Example: badminton has been played by me.
Past tense: Object-(was/were)-verb's past participle form-by-subject
Example: Badminton was played by me.
Past continuous tense: Object-(was/were)-being-verb's past participle form-by-subject
Example: Badminton was being played by me.
Past perfect tense: Object-(had been)-verb's past participle form-by-subject
Example: badminton had been played by me.
Future tense: Object-(will be)-verb's past participle form-by-subject
Example: badminton will be played by me.
Future perfect tense: Object-(will have been)-verb's past participle form-by-subject
Example: badminton will have been played by me.
The essential differences to note:
1. The words have been, being, and by are used in passive voice sentences.
2. Subject acts as active voice.
3. Verb uses the subject to act as a passive voice.
Examples of Active {A} and Passive {P} voice:
{A}: Our outstanding team will complete the presentation by tomorrow. {P}: The presentation will be completed tomorrow by our outstanding team.
{A}: My sister was consoling me when the robbers robbed the house. {P}: I was being consoled by my sister when robbers robbed the house.
{A}: Mom has been working in the kitchen for 2 hours. {P}: For 2 hours, mom has been working in the kitchen.
{A}: What was the time when you arrived at the restaurant? {P}: When you arrived at the restaurant, what was the time?
{A}: We immediately overcome problems in our company and take action towards safeguarding. {P}: These kinds of problems are immediately overcome in our company, and action is taken to safeguard them.
