Active Voice and Passive Voice
Active Voice and Passive Voice
EXAMPLES
- Josh lost the hat. [The subject Josh performs the action of lost.]
- The hat was lost. [The subject hat receives the action of was lost.]
When a subject performs the action of the verb, the verb is in the active voice.
When a subject receives the action, the verb is in the passive voice.
In the passive voice, the verb phrase includes a form of be and the past participle of the main verb. Other helping verbs may also be included.
When a subject receives the action, the verb is in the passive voice.
In the passive voice, the verb phrase includes a form of be and the past participle of the main verb. Other helping verbs may also be included.
ACTIVE VOICE
- Someone found a ring. [The subject someone performs the action of found.]
PASSIVE VOICE
- The ring was found. [The subject ring receives the action of the verb phrase was found.]
- The ring has been found. [The subject ring receives the action of the verb phrase has been found.]
Uses of the Passive Voice
Writing is usually clearer and stronger when in the active voice, so the passive voice should be used sparingly. However, there are some times when the passive voice is preferable.
- Use the passive voice
when you do not know who performed the action,
when you do not want to reveal the performer of the action,
or when you want to emphasize the receiver of the action rather than the performer.
EXAMPLES
- Several events were canceled. [The performer of the action is unknown.]
- The surprise was ruined. [The performer of the action is unrevealed.]
- Ms.Li has been given an award. [The receiver of the action is emphasized.]