Passive voice

Active voice in English.

Most sentences in English use the active voice; the subject of the sentence performs the action.

•My dog ate my homework. •I have written an essay.•The researchers conduct experiments.

Forming the passive voice

The passive voice uses a form of the verb to be plus a past participle. The object of the verb becomes the subject.

•The dog ate my homework The homework was eaten (by my dog).

•I have written an essay An essay has been written (by me).

•The researchers conduct experiments Experiments are conducted (by the researchers).

Active vs. passive voice

Most sentences are written in the active voice since it keeps the meaning clear for readers. The passive voice is useful, however, in certain situations.

Unknown actor

If we do not know who performed the action, we can use the passive voice.

They built the house in 1912. (Who are they? We do not know).

The house was built in 1912. (No subject)

Blame

The passive voice also avoids placing blame.

You made a mistake. (finger-pointing!)A mistake was made. (Neutral, no blame)

Emphasis

The passive voice can also emphasize the object instead of the subject.

The charity raised enough money to complete the project. (We want to emphasize the money raised).

Enough money was raised to complete the project. (You can add “by the charity,” but it is not necessary.)

Your turn!Change the following active voice sentences to

passive. 1. We invited them to the party.2. The students ate the entire cake.3. Maria will send the e-mail tomorrow.4. The scientists have researched all options. 5. We are investigating all possible leads.6. They speak Spanish in that restaurant.7. My mother bakes fresh bread every day.8. The storm knocked down the tree.9. Mel criticized the manager for his incompetence.10.He was building the house when the typhoon hit.