Understanding Active and Passive Voice: 10 Examples
In English grammar, voice refers to the relationship between the subject and the action described by the verb. There are two types of voice: active and passive. Understanding the difference between active and passive voice is essential for effective communication and clear writing.
Active Voice
In active voice, the subject performs the action described by the verb. The subject is the doer or the actor of the sentence.
Examples:
- The dog bites the man. (The dog is the subject performing the action of biting.)
- The chef cooks the meal. (The chef is the subject performing the action of cooking.)
Passive Voice
In passive voice, the subject receives the action described by the verb. The subject is the recipient of the action.
Examples:
- The man was bitten by the dog. (The man is the subject receiving the action of being bitten.)
- The meal was cooked by the chef. (The meal is the subject receiving the action of being cooked.)
More Examples:
- Active: The teacher grades the papers. Passive: The papers are graded by the teacher.
- Active: The company will launch the new product. Passive: The new product will be launched by the company.
- Active: The artist paints the portrait. Passive: The portrait is painted by the artist.
Conversion from Active to Passive:
To convert an active sentence to passive, follow these steps:
- Change the subject to receive the action
- Use a form of "to be" (e.g., is, are, was, were)
- Add the doer of the action using "by" (optional)
Conclusion
Understanding active and passive voice can enhance your writing and communication skills. By recognizing the difference between active and passive voice, you can convey your message more effectively and avoid ambiguity.
