Using the Passive Voice

Writing Consultant PresentationEG 1003: Intro to Engineering and DesignPolytechnic Institute of NYU

Using the Passive Voice

Definitions

Changing to the passive voice

Practice examples

Active voice vs. passive voice

Active voice takes the form “A does B”

Passive voice takes the form “B is done (by A)”

Plastic film was chosen (by us) to cover the microphone.

We chose plastic film to cover the microphone.

Active voice subjects perform an act

We ... chose ... plastic film to cover the microphone.

Active voice

Subject Verb Object

Passive voice subjects are acted on

Plastic film … was chosen … to cover the microphone.

Passive voice

Subject Verb Object

We ... chose ... plastic film to cover the microphone.

Active voice

Subject Verb Object

Passive voice differs from 3rd person

Plastic film … was chosen … to cover the microphone.

The team ... chose ... plastic film to cover the microphone.

Third person, but active voice

Passive voice

Subject Verb Object

Subject Verb Object

Using the Passive Voice

Definitions

Changing to the passive voice

Practice examples

“To be” is very irregular:

Past participles usually add “-ed” or “t”:presented, measured, built, burnt

Irregular past participles must be memorized

Combine “to be” + past participle

Present tense Past tense

1st person

I am We are I was We were

2nd person

You are You are

You were You were

3rd person

He, she, it is

They are

He, she, it were

They were

Omit the “agent” of the action

ActiveWorkers installed burglar alarms.

Passive, with agent Burglar alarms were installed by the workers.

Passive, with the agent omittedBurglar alarms were installed.

Remember tense and number

Active Voice Passive voice

I finish a project in eight hours.

A project is finished in eight hours.

I finish three projects in eight hours

Three projects are finished in eight hours

I finished a project in eight hours.

A project was finished in eight hours.

I finished three projects in eight hours.

Three projects were finished in eight hours.

Remember tense and number

Active Voice Passive voice

I finish a project in eight hours.

A project is finished in eight hours.

I finish three projects in eight hours

Three projects are finished in eight hours

I finished a project in eight hours.

A project was finished in eight hours.

I finished three projects in eight hours.

Three projects were finished in eight hours.

Remember tense and number

Active Voice Passive voice

I finish a project in eight hours.

A project is finished in eight hours.

I finish three projects in eight hours

Three projects are finished in eight hours

I finished a project in eight hours.

A project was finished in eight hours.

I finished three projects in eight hours.

Three projects were finished in eight hours.

Remember tense and number

Active Voice Passive voice

I finish a project in eight hours.

A project is finished in eight hours.

I finish three projects in eight hours

Three projects are finished in eight hours

I finished a project in eight hours.

A project was finished in eight hours.

I finished three projects in eight hours.

Three projects were finished in eight hours.

Remember tense and number

Active Voice Passive voice

I finish a project in eight hours.

A project is finished in eight hours.

I finish three projects in eight hours

Three projects are finished in eight hours

I finished a project in eight hours.

A project was finished in eight hours.

I finished three projects in eight hours.

Three projects were finished in eight hours.

Remember tense and number

Active Voice Passive voice

I finish a project in eight hours.

A project is finished in eight hours.

I finish three projects in eight hours

Three projects are finished in eight hours

I finished a project in eight hours.

A project was finished in eight hours.

I finished three projects in eight hours.

Three projects were finished in eight hours.

Remember tense and number

Active Voice Passive voice

I finish a project in eight hours.

A project is finished in eight hours.

I finish three projects in eight hours

Three projects are finished in eight hours

I finished a project in eight hours.

A project was finished in eight hours.

I finished three projects in eight hours.

Three projects were finished in eight hours.

Remember tense and number

Active Voice Passive voice

I finish a project in eight hours.

A project is finished in eight hours.

I finish three projects in eight hours

Three projects are finished in eight hours

I finished a project in eight hours.

A project was finished in eight hours.

I finished three projects in eight hours.

Three projects were finished in eight hours.

Using the Passive Voice

Definitions

Changing to the passive voice

Practice examples

Change to the passive voice

The team used the following materials: a model rocket requiring some assembly, a tube of “Super Glue®,” a cartridge of matter, and a tank of antimatter.

The following materials were used: a model rocket requiring some assembly, a tube of “Super Glue®,” a cartridge of matter, and a tank of antimatter.

The EG 1003 course also supplied the launch stand, the barrier, and two atomic clocks.

In addition, equipment was supplied by the EG 1003 course: the launch stand, the barrier, and two atomic clocks.

Change to the passive voice

The team used the following materials: a model rocket requiring some assembly, a tube of “Super Glue®,” a cartridge of matter, and a tank of antimatter.

The following materials were used: a model rocket requiring some assembly, a tube of “Super Glue®,” a cartridge of matter, and a tank of antimatter.

The EG 1003 course also supplied the launch stand, the barrier, and two atomic clocks.

In addition, equipment was supplied by the EG 1003 course: the launch stand, the barrier, and two atomic clocks.

Change to the passive voice

The team used the following materials: a model rocket requiring some assembly, a tube of “Super Glue®,” a cartridge of matter, and a tank of antimatter.

The following materials were used: a model rocket requiring some assembly, a tube of “Super Glue®,” a cartridge of matter, and a tank of antimatter.

The EG 1003 course also supplied the launch stand, the barrier, and two atomic clocks.

In addition, equipment was supplied by the EG 1003 course: the launch stand, the barrier, and two atomic clocks.

Change to the passive voice

The team used the following materials: a model rocket requiring some assembly, a tube of “Super Glue®,” a cartridge of matter, and a tank of antimatter.

The following materials were used: a model rocket requiring some assembly, a tube of “Super Glue®,” a cartridge of matter, and a tank of antimatter.

The EG 1003 course also supplied the launch stand, the barrier, and two atomic clocks.

The launch stand, the barrier, and two atomic clocks were supplied by the EG 1003 course.

Change to the passive voice

First, we obtained the rocket kit from a TA.

First, the rocket kit was obtained from a TA.

I inspected the kit to ensure that all parts were present.

The kit was inspected to ensure that all parts were present.

Miguel attached the four control surfaces (fins) to the fuselage of the model using Super Glue®.

The four control surfaces (fins) were attached to the fuselage of the model using Super Glue®.

Change to the passive voice

First, we obtained the rocket kit from a TA.

First, the rocket kit was obtained from a TA.

I inspected the kit to ensure that all parts were present.

The kit was inspected to ensure that all parts were present.

Miguel attached the four control surfaces (fins) to the fuselage of the model using Super Glue®.

The four control surfaces (fins) were attached to the fuselage of the model using Super Glue®.

Change to the passive voice

First, we obtained the rocket kit from a TA.

First, the rocket kit was obtained from a TA.

I inspected the kit to ensure that all parts were present.

The kit was inspected to ensure that all parts were present.

Miguel attached the four control surfaces (fins) to the fuselage of the model using Super Glue®.

The four control surfaces (fins) were attached to the fuselage of the model using Super Glue®.

Change to the passive voice

First, we obtained the rocket kit from a TA.

First, the rocket kit was obtained from a TA.

I inspected the kit to ensure that all parts were present.

The kit was inspected to ensure that all parts were present.

Miguel attached the four control surfaces (fins) to the fuselage of the model using Super Glue®.

The four control surfaces (fins) were attached to the fuselage of the model using Super Glue®.

Change to the passive voice

First, we obtained the rocket kit from a TA.

First, the rocket kit was obtained from a TA.

I inspected the kit to ensure that all parts were present.

The kit was inspected to ensure that all parts were present.

Miguel attached the four control surfaces (fins) to the fuselage of the model using Super Glue®.

The four control surfaces (fins) were attached to the fuselage of the model using Super Glue®.

Change to the passive voice

First, we obtained the rocket kit from a TA.

First, the rocket kit was obtained from a TA.

I inspected the kit to ensure that all parts were present.

The kit was inspected to ensure that all parts were present.

Miguel attached the four control surfaces (fins) to the fuselage of the model using Super Glue®.

The four control surfaces (fins) were attached to the fuselage of the model using Super Glue®.

Change to the passive voice

We pressed the red power switch, activating the model.

The red power switch was pressed, activating the model.

The team noted the time to verify that there would be enough battery power when the rocket was launched.

The time was noted to verify that there would be enough battery power when the rocket was launched.

Francisca pushed the yellow button, starting the Level 1 Diagnostic for the positronic control system.

The yellow button was pressed, starting the Level 1 Diagnostic for the positronic control system.

Change to the passive voice

We pressed the red power switch, activating the model.

The red power switch was pressed, activating the model.

The team noted the time to verify that there would be enough battery power when the rocket was launched.

The time was noted to verify that there would be enough battery power when the rocket was launched.

Francisca pushed the yellow button, starting the Level 1 Diagnostic for the positronic control system.

The yellow button was pressed, starting the Level 1 Diagnostic for the positronic control system.

Change to the passive voice

We pressed the red power switch, activating the model.

The red power switch was pressed, activating the model.

The team noted the time to verify that there would be enough battery power when the rocket was launched.

The time was noted to verify that there would be enough battery power when the rocket was launched.

Francisca pushed the yellow button, starting the Level 1 Diagnostic for the positronic control system.

The yellow button was pressed, starting the Level 1 Diagnostic for the positronic control system.

Change to the passive voice

We pressed the red power switch, activating the model.

The red power switch was pressed, activating the model.

The team noted the time to verify that there would be enough battery power when the rocket was launched.

The time was noted to verify that there would be enough battery power when the rocket was launched.

Francisca pushed the yellow button, starting the Level 1 Diagnostic for the positronic control system.

The yellow button was pressed, starting the Level 1 Diagnostic for the positronic control system.

Change to the passive voice

We pressed the red power switch, activating the model.

The red power switch was pressed, activating the model.

The team noted the time to verify that there would be enough battery power when the rocket was launched.

The time was noted to verify that there would be enough battery power when the rocket was launched.

Francisca pushed the yellow button, starting the Level 1 Diagnostic for the positronic control system.

The yellow button was pressed, starting the Level 1 Diagnostic for the positronic control system.

Change to the passive voice

We pressed the red power switch, activating the model.

The red power switch was pressed, activating the model.

The team noted the time to verify that there would be enough battery power when the rocket was launched.

The time was noted to verify that there would be enough battery power when the rocket was launched.

Francisca pushed the yellow button, starting the Level 1 Diagnostic for the positronic control system.

The yellow button was pressed, starting the Level 1 Diagnostic for the positronic control system.

Change to the passive voice

The team took the model out to MetroTech commons.

The model was taken out to MetroTech commons.

I obtained a matter cartridge from the TA.

A matter cartridge was obtained from the TA.

We snapped this cartridge into the model.

This cartridge was snapped into the model.

We mounted the model on the launch stand.

The model was mounted on the launch stand.

Change to the passive voice

The team took the model out to MetroTech commons.

The model was taken out to MetroTech commons.

I obtained a matter cartridge from the TA.

A matter cartridge was obtained from the TA.

We snapped this cartridge into the model.

This cartridge was snapped into the model.

We mounted the model on the launch stand.

The model was mounted on the launch stand.

Change to the passive voice

The team took the model out to MetroTech commons.

The model was taken out to MetroTech commons.

I obtained a matter cartridge from the TA.

A matter cartridge was obtained from the TA.

We snapped this cartridge into the model.

This cartridge was snapped into the model.

We mounted the model on the launch stand.

The model was mounted on the launch stand.

Change to the passive voice

The team took the model out to MetroTech commons.

The model was taken out to MetroTech commons.

I obtained a matter cartridge from the TA.

A matter cartridge was obtained from the TA.

We snapped this cartridge into the model.

This cartridge was snapped into the model.

We mounted the model on the launch stand.

The model was mounted on the launch stand.

Change to the passive voice

The team took the model out to MetroTech commons.

The model was taken out to MetroTech commons.

I obtained a matter cartridge from the TA.

A matter cartridge was obtained from the TA.

We snapped this cartridge into the model.

This cartridge was snapped into the model.

We mounted the model on the launch stand.

The model was mounted on the launch stand.

Change to the passive voice

The team took the model out to MetroTech commons.

The model was taken out to MetroTech commons.

I obtained a matter cartridge from the TA.

A matter cartridge was obtained from the TA.

We snapped this cartridge into the model.

This cartridge was snapped into the model.

We mounted the model on the launch stand.

The model was mounted on the launch stand.

Change to the passive voice

The team took the model out to MetroTech commons.

The model was taken out to MetroTech commons.

I obtained a matter cartridge from the TA.

A matter cartridge was obtained from the TA.

We snapped this cartridge into the model.

This cartridge was snapped into the model.

We mounted the model on the launch stand.

The model was mounted on the launch stand.

The team took the model out to MetroTech commons.

The model was taken out to MetroTech commons.

I obtained a matter cartridge from the TA.

A matter cartridge was obtained from the TA.

We snapped this cartridge into the model.

This cartridge was snapped into the model.

We mounted the model on the launch stand.

The model was mounted on the launch stand.

Change to the passive voice

Change to the passive voice

We then used the Antimatter Containment Vessel to pour antimatter into the tank in the model.

The Antimatter Containment Vessel was then used to pour antimatter into the tank in the model.

Albert put the stopper into the hole in the tank.

The stopper was put into the hole in the tank.

When everything was in place, we launched the rocket.

When everything was in place, the rocket was launched.

Change to the passive voice

We then used the Antimatter Containment Vessel to pour antimatter into the tank in the model.

The Antimatter Containment Vessel was then used to pour antimatter into the tank in the model.

Albert put the stopper into the hole in the tank.

The stopper was put into the hole in the tank.

When everything was in place, we launched the rocket.

When everything was in place, the rocket was launched.

Change to the passive voice

We then used the Antimatter Containment Vessel to pour antimatter into the tank in the model.

The Antimatter Containment Vessel was then used to pour antimatter into the tank in the model.

Albert put the stopper into the hole in the tank.

The stopper was put into the hole in the tank.

When everything was in place, we launched the rocket.

When everything was in place, the rocket was launched.

Change to the passive voice

We then used the Antimatter Containment Vessel to pour antimatter into the tank in the model.

The Antimatter Containment Vessel was then used to pour antimatter into the tank in the model.

Albert put the stopper into the hole in the tank.

The stopper was put into the hole in the tank.

When everything was in place, we launched the rocket.

When everything was in place, the rocket was launched.

Change to the passive voice

We then used the Antimatter Containment Vessel to pour antimatter into the tank in the model.

The Antimatter Containment Vessel was then used to pour antimatter into the tank in the model.

Albert put the stopper into the hole in the tank.

The stopper was put into the hole in the tank.

When everything was in place, we launched the rocket.

When everything was in place, the rocket was launched

Change to the passive voice

We then used the Antimatter Containment Vessel to pour antimatter into the tank in the model.

The Antimatter Containment Vessel was then used to pour antimatter into the tank in the model.

Albert put the stopper into the hole in the tank.

The stopper was put into the hole in the tank.

When everything was in place, we launched the rocket.

When everything was in place, the rocket was launched.

Change to the passive voice

Lucy noted the time of arrival for the rocket and the strobe light flash.

The time of arrival was noted for the rocket and the strobe light flash.

We used the atomic clocks to verify that the rocket had arrived before the light.

The atomic clocks were used to verify that the rocket had arrived before the light.

The team also noted the effects of the impact.

The effects of the impact were also noted.

Change to the passive voice

Lucy noted the time of arrival for the rocket and the strobe light flash.

The time of arrival was noted for the rocket and the strobe light flash.

We used the atomic clocks to verify that the rocket had arrived before the light.

The atomic clocks were used to verify that the rocket had arrived before the light.

The team also noted the effects of the impact.

The effects of the impact were also noted.

Change to the passive voice

Lucy noted the time of arrival for the rocket and the strobe light flash.

The time of arrival was noted for the rocket and the strobe light flash.

We used the atomic clocks to verify that the rocket had arrived before the light.

The atomic clocks were used to verify that the rocket had arrived before the light.

The team also noted the effects of the impact.

The effects of the impact were also noted.

Change to the passive voice

Lucy noted the time of arrival for the rocket and the strobe light flash.

The time of arrival was noted for the rocket and the strobe light flash.

We used the atomic clocks to verify that the rocket had arrived before the light.

The atomic clocks were used to verify that the rocket had arrived before the light.

The team also noted the effects of the impact.

The effects of the impact were also noted.

Change to the passive voice

Lucy noted the time of arrival for the rocket and the strobe light flash.

The time of arrival was noted for the rocket and the strobe light flash.

We used the atomic clocks to verify that the rocket had arrived before the light.

The atomic clocks were used to verify that the rocket had arrived before the light.

The team also noted the effects of the impact.

The effects of the impact were also noted.

Change to the passive voice

Lucy noted the time of arrival for the rocket and the strobe light flash.

The time of arrival was noted for the rocket and the strobe light flash.

We used the atomic clocks to verify that the rocket had arrived before the light.

The atomic clocks were used to verify that the rocket had arrived before the light.

The team also noted the effects of the impact.

The effects of the impact were also noted.

Using the Passive Voice

Definitions

Changing to the passive voice

Practice examples