ACTIVE and PASSIVE VOICE

ACTIVE and PASSIVE VOICE

VOICE 

VOICE is the form of the verb that shows whether the subject is doing the action.

ACTIVE VOICE 

A verb is active if its subject performs the action.

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Laura found a gold bracelet. The students donated old books.

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PASSIVE VOICE 

A verb is passive if its action is performed upon the subject.

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A gold bracelet was found by Laura. Old books were donated by the students.

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“to be” + past participle

CALL in PASSIVE VOICE PRESENT PAST FUTURE PRES. PROGRESSIVE PAST PROGRESSIVE

she is called she was called she will be called she is being called she was being called

REMINDER 

When transforming sentences from active to passive, vice versa, always make sure that the TENSE is CONSISTENT, and that the new form of the VERB AGREES WITH THE new SUBJECT.

Identify each verb as active or passive. Then transform the sentences from active to passive, vice versa. 1. 2. 3. 4. 5.

The bitter medicine was taken by my sister. (passive) Delegates to the convention are chosen by the President. (passive) Each of us has purchased several new outfits for summer. (active) The speaker was writing a letter of apology. (active) Bread crumbs had been sprinkled on the fish. (passive)

ANSWERS – subject, verb The bitter medicine was taken by my sister. My sister took the bitter medicine. (simple past) 1.

Delegates to the convention are chosen by the President. The President chooses the delegates to the convention. (simple present) 2.

ANSWERS Each of us has purchased several new outfits for summer. Several new outfits for summer have been purchased by each of us. (present perfect) 4. The speaker was writing a letter of apology. A letter of apology was being written by the speaker. (past progressive) 5. Bread crumbs had been sprinkled on the fish. He had sprinkled bread crumbs on the fish. (past perfect) 3.

1. The jammed window was opened. (passive) The man opened the jammed window. (simple past) 2. Ria will meet Jon this afternoon. (active) John will be met by Ria this afternoon. (simple future) 3. The story is told over and over again by Grandfather. (active) Grandfather tells the story over and over again. (simple present)

4. She has bought fresh apples, peaches, and bananas. (active) Fresh apples, peaches, and bananas have been bought by her. (present perfect) 5. The former mayor is addressing the members of the association. (active) The members of the association is being addressed by the former mayor. (present progressive)

Transform the following sentences from active to passive, vice versa. 1.

2. 3. 4.

5. 6. 7.

8. 9. 10.

An assignment is given by the Elders every December. The future Receiver will experience pain in his training. Jonas was watching the video of the release of the twin. Jonas has received various memories from the Giver. The Giver loves Jonas and Rosemary. Jonas and the Giver are devising a plan to “help” the community. Food was stolen from the community. Jonas and Gabe saw a bird, a deer, and wildflowers. The people in the community are dealing with a serious problem. Soon, Elsewhere will be reached.

ANSWERS 1.

2. 3. 4. 5.

6. 7. 8.

9. 10.

The Elders give an assignment every December. Pain will be experienced by the future Receiver. The video was being watched by Jonas. Various memories have been received by Jonas. Jonas and Rosemary are loved by the Giver. A plan is being devised by Jonas and the Giver. Jonas stole food from the community. A bird, a deer, and wildflowers were seen by Jonas and Gabe. A serious problem is being dealt with by the people in the community. Soon, Jonas and Gabe will reach Elsewhere.