Transcript Active and Passive Voice Review Quiz

Active and Passive Voice
Verbs have either an
active or passive voice.
Active Voice



In active voice the subject of the sentence
initiates the action.
Active voice is preferred because it makes
writing more clear, lively and interesting.
Example of active voice: Jill kicked Jack.
Active voice is shorter and more direct.
Active: The waiter dropped the tray of
food.
Passive: The tray of food was dropped
by the waiter.
Passive Voice



In passive voice the subject of the
sentence is acted upon.
Passive voice always contains some
form of the verb “to be.” (am, is, are,
was were, be, being, been)
Example: Jack was kicked by Jill.


In general, avoid passive voice because it can
be wordy, awkward and confusing.
However there are times when you may want
to choose the active voice.
Reasons to choose the passive voice:


The agent (doer) of the action is
unimportant.
 The pyramids were built thousands of
years ago.
The agent is unknown.
 Several robberies were committed during
the night

The agent is common knowledge and
mentioning it would be redundant.
 George Bush was elected in 2000

The writer desires to control focus of the
sentence.
1. To de-emphasize the agent’s role in the
action.
 The alarm was triggered by my son.
2. To emphasize the party receiving the
action.
 John was being sued by Mary.
Quiz Time!
Determine whether the following
sentences use active or passive
voice.
 The
letter was obviously
signed by a stranger.
Passive
The
gates in front of
the embassy were
closed each night.
Passive
The
judge suddenly
called the lawyers
into her chambers.
Active
 On
our trip across the
country, our car will have
been driven over 5,000
miles.
Passive
 The
mayor asked for
volunteers to serve on the
newly formed committee.
Active