Active/Passive Voice

1
Active/Passive Voice

• Keep your writing lively and strong! Give it some
  action!

2
Rule 2

• Avoid passive voice in writing passive voice
  weakens writing and contributes to wordy, boring
  essays.
• Voice is the form of a verb that shows whether or
  not the subject is performing the action. A verb
  is active if the subject performs the action (the
  subject acts upon something/someone). A verb is
  passive if the action is performed upon the
  subject (the subject is acted upon).
• Generally, use the active voice. There are (rare)
  occasions when the passive voice is acceptable,
  usually when the subject is unknown or
  unimportant.

3
Passive Voice

• It implies that you are a passive person who
  stands by and watches, instead of a person who
  takes action (college essay readers look for
  students who write in the active voice)
• It is easy to avoid if you know the signals how
  to recognize it.
• Verb phrases usually include a verb in the form
  of be and/or auxillary verbs, such as am, is,
  are, was, were, been, being, be, have, has, had,
  etc.
• It may also be recognized when a verb phrase
  includes by the

4
EXAMPLES

• Active
• Alice left a message.
• We called the doctor.
• Julie wrote the poem.
• Edison created many inventions.
• The twister left a path of destruction.

• Passive
• A message was left by Alice.
• The doctor was called.
• The poem was written by Julie.
• Many inventions were created.
• A path of destruction was left by the twister.

5
Identify each sentence as active or passive

• The authorities have been notified.
• Dominic has already chosen his courses.
• The article was written by Terry.
• Sue was chosen by Fred to be on the team.
• The team will elect a new captain tomorrow.
• Mom added fresh mushrooms to the salad.

6
Rewrite each sentence using active voice

• The china was carefully packed by Janice.
• The cards were purchased by my mother.
• The snow will be cleared by the plow.
• It is believed that adequate penalties for drug
  dealers are not being handed out by judges.
• Coins are often thrown into fountains by
  tourists.
• Much concern is being voiced by the citizens over
  the failure to balance the budget.

7
Rewrite each sentence using active voice

• Mack was chosen by Kenzie to be her assistant.
• Many inventions were created by Edison.
• The article was written by Jessica.
• Many fine sites are hosted by Software Workshop.
• Everyone in need is helped by Lauren.
• Diane was made well by the medicine.
• Matt was enraged by Jeremys sarcastic comments.
• Ms. Gs wisdom is known by all FHS students.