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In English, sentences can be written in two voices: active or passive. The choice between active and passive voice changes the focus of the sentence. In active voice, the subject performs the action. In passive voice, the action is performed on the subject. Understanding the difference between these two voices and knowing when to use each is important for clear and effective writing.
Active Voice
In active voice sentences, the subject of the sentence performs the action described by the verb. Active voice is typically more direct and concise.
Structure: Subject + Verb + Object
Example: The teacher (subject) explains (verb) the lesson (object).
In this example, the subject "the teacher" is performing the action of explaining. Active voice makes it clear who is doing what.
Passive Voice
In passive voice sentences, the focus shifts to the action being done to the subject. The person or thing doing the action may be mentioned later in the sentence or not at all.
Structure: Object + Form of "to be" + Past Participle + (by + Agent)
Example: The lesson (object) is explained (verb) by the teacher (agent).
In this example, the focus is on the lesson being explained, rather than on the teacher explaining it. Passive voice can be useful when the doer of the action is unknown or less important.
When to Use Active Voice
Active voice is generally preferred in most types of writing because it is clearer, more direct, and often shorter. It is especially useful when the subject performing the action is important.
Use active voice when:
- The subject is important to the meaning of the sentence.
- You want your writing to be more engaging and concise.
Example: The chef (subject) cooked (verb) a delicious meal (object).
When to Use Passive Voice
Passive voice is used when the focus is on the action itself rather than who performed the action. It is useful in formal writing or when the doer of the action is unknown, unimportant, or should not be emphasized.
Use passive voice when:
- The action is more important than the doer.
- The doer is unknown or unimportant.
Example: The report (subject) was completed (verb) on time.
In this case, who completed the report is less important than the fact that it was completed.
How to Form Passive Voice
To form a passive sentence, follow these steps:
- Identify the object of the active sentence.
- Move the object to the subject position.
- Add the appropriate form of the verb "to be" based on the tense of the original sentence.
- Use the past participle of the main verb.
- Optionally, include the agent (the doer of the action) after the word "by."
Active: The company (subject) will deliver (verb) the package (object).
Passive: The package (object) will be delivered (verb) by the company (agent).
Examples of Active and Passive Voice in Different Tenses
Present Simple:
Active: She writes the letter.
Passive: The letter is written by her.
Past Simple:
Active: They painted the house.
Passive: The house was painted by them.
Future Simple:
Active: He will fix the car.
Passive: The car will be fixed by him.
Present Perfect:
Active: The manager has approved the request.
Passive: The request has been approved by the manager.
Common Mistakes with Passive Voice
Writers sometimes overuse passive voice, leading to vague or awkward sentences. It is important to use passive voice only when necessary, and to avoid it in cases where active voice would be clearer.
Mistake: The cake was eaten. (This sentence leaves out who ate the cake, making it unclear.)
Correction: The cake was eaten by John. (Adding the agent clarifies who performed the action.)
In most cases, if the sentence feels weak or indirect, it is better to switch to active voice.