Transcript Active vs. Passive Voice PPT

Active vs. Passive Voice
Composition
Definition
 Writers
use active voice to keep writing
direct, dynamic, tighter, and less awkward.
 Active voice uses action verbs.
 Passive voice uses linking verbs.

Forms of Be: is, am, are, was, were, be, been, being
 Overuse
of passive voice makes writing
flat and uninteresting.
 Limit: 2-3 linking verbs per paragraph.
Active Voice

In sentences written in active voice, the subject
performs the action expressed in the verb; the
subject acts.

The dog bit the boy.

P.J. will present her research at the conference.

The scientists conducted research.
Passive Voice

In sentences written in passive voice, the subject
receives the action expressed in the verb; the
subject is acted upon.
 The agent performing the action may appear in
a "by the . . ." phrase or may be omitted.

The boy was bitten by the dog.

Research will be presented by P.J.

Experiments have been conducted.
Why choose active voice?
 Active
voice is preferable to passive for
the majority of your sentences.
 Sentences in active voice are generally-though not always-- clearer and more
direct than those in passive voice.


Passive: The entrance exam was failed by
over one-third of the applicants.
Active: Over one-third of the applicants failed
the entrance exam.
Changing Passive to Active Voice

If you want to change a passive-voice sentence to
active voice:
1. Find what could be turned into an action verb in
the sentence. Then ask who or what is
performing the action and make that the
subject.
- OR 1. Find the subject of the sentence. If it is not
provided in the sentence, infer a sensible
subject (not “you”).
2. Create an action verb that fits the context of the
sentence.
Changing to Active Voice

Change the following sentences to active
voice.
1. The book is being read by over half the
class.
2. Results will be published in the next issue.
3. A policy of whitewashing and cover-up has
been pursued by the CIA director.
Reasons to Use Passive Voice
1. The agent (doer) of the action is
unimportant.
•
2.
The agent is unknown.

3.
The pyramids were built thousands of years ago.
Several robberies were committed during the
night.
The agent is common knowledge, and
mentioning it would be redundant.

George Bush was elected in 2000.
Reason to Use Passive Cont’d
4.
The tense of a verb must be expressed using a
form of be.

5.
The instructor is teaching class this hour.
The writer desires to control focus of sentence
and de-emphasize the agent’s role in the
action.

The alarm was triggered by my son. [Passive
construction shifts focus away from the son’s
responsibility.]
6. To emphasize the party receiving the action.
•
Jack was kicked by Jill.
Difficult Corrections

Passive voice can be difficult to correct if the
main verb in the sentence is a form of be.
 These sentences may need drastic revision.




Passive: I am bored.
Active: Grammar bores me.
Passive: This tax policy is best for Americans.
Active: This policy guarantees Americans low taxes.