Active vs. Passive Voice

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Active vs. Passive Voice
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Learning Targets

• I can explain the difference between the active
  and passive voice in a sentence.
• I can change active voice to passive voice and
  vice versa when I write.

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Active Voice

• When the subject of the sentence performs the
  action.
• Example Jo Jo pucked on the bus.

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Active Voice

• Example Jo Jo pucked on the bus.
• S V prep. phrase
  direct object

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Passive Voice

• When the action is performed by the direct
  object.
• Example The bus was pucked on by Jo Jo.
• direct object
  original S

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Hints to Recognize the Difference Between the
Active and Passive Voice

• passive voice sentence is always longer
• contains a helping verb (form of be)
• usually includes a prepositional phrase starting
  with by

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Why know the difference between active and
passive voice?

• Your writing can be more clear and concise
  (shorter) is mostly written in the ACTIVE voice.
• Occasionally it is OK to write in the PASSIVE
  voice.

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Active or Passive Voice?

• Sandy Cheeks played ball with SpongeBob.
• active!

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Active or Passive Voice?

• SpongeBob was played with by Sandy Cheeks.
• passive!

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Active or Passive Voice?

• SpongeBob was yelled at by Mr. Krabbs.
• passive!

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Active or Passive Voice?

• Mr. Krabbs yelled at SpongeBob.
• active!

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Active or Passive Voice?

• Patrick drooled all over SpongeBob.
• active!

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Active or Passive Voice?

• SpongeBob was drooled on by Patrick.
• passive!

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Active or Passive Voice?

• Squidward played his clarinet.
• active!

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Active or Passive Voice?

• The clarinet was played by Squidward.
• passive!

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Quick Video Time!

• http//brightstorm.com/english/grammar/voice-and-
  style/active-voice-and-passive-voice/