What isActive/Passive Voice?

Active voice is the voice used to indicate that the subject of the sentence is performing the action or causing the action.

Example: The twister left a path of destruction.

Passive voice is the voice used when the subject is the recipient of the action.

Example:A path of destruction was left by the twister.

• If the subject receives the action or is not doing the action, the voice is passive.• Passive voice is usually wordier.• If the subject performs the action, the voice is active.• Active voice is preferred because it is direct and concise.• Active voice is like watching the Lady Eagles win

the championship.• Passive voice is like watching corn grow.• Active voice creates interest.• Strong writing uses active voice.

The hamburger was eaten by Mary.

Mary crams the hamburger down her throat as the juices run down her face.

Active Sentences Create Action and MovementEngage your reader with movement and action

Example:

The girl was admired by many

young men.

Voice without action and movement

Active Voice Has Attitude

The boys came buzzing round like bees around a jam

pot.

A bear was seen in the woods. A man was hit by the bear.

Voice without action and movement :

Active or Passive Quiz

1.The signal was given by Mr. Frank.2.Anne sneaks Peter’s shoes from under the

table and hides them behind her back.3.Peter pins Anne down, wrestling with her to

get the shoes.4.The cat was fed by Peter.5.The sound of an automobile was heard by the

people hiding in the Annex.

Number from 1-5 in your notebook.Decide if the sentence is active or passive.If active, write “active” in your notebook.If passive, write “passive” and then rewrite the sentence using active voice.