Active vs. Passive Voice Learning Targets

Active vs. Passive Voice

Learning Targets: I can explain the difference between the active and passive voice in a sentence. I can change active voice to passive voice and vice versa when I write.

Active Voice: • When the subject of the sentence performs the action. Example: Jo Jo pucked on the bus.

Active Voice: Example: Jo Jo pucked on the bus. S V prep. phrase direct object

Passive Voice: • When the action is performed by the direct object. Example: The bus was pucked on by Jo Jo. direct object

original S

Hints to Recognize the Difference Between the Active and Passive Voice: • passive voice sentence is always longer • contains a helping verb (form of “be) • usually includes a prepositional phrase starting with “by”

Why know the difference between active and passive voice? • Your writing can be more clear and concise (shorter) is mostly written in the ACTIVE voice. • Occasionally it is OK to write in the PASSIVE voice.

Active or Passive Voice? Sandy Cheeks played ball with SpongeBob. active!

Active or Passive Voice? SpongeBob was played with by Sandy Cheeks. passive!

Active or Passive Voice? SpongeBob was yelled at by Mr. Krabbs. passive!

Active or Passive Voice? Mr. Krabbs yelled at SpongeBob. active!

Active or Passive Voice? Patrick drooled all over SpongeBob. active!

Active or Passive Voice? SpongeBob was drooled on by Patrick. passive!

Active or Passive Voice? Squidward played his clarinet. active!

Active or Passive Voice? The clarinet was played by Squidward. passive!

Quick Video Time! http://brightstorm.com/english/gra mmar/voice-and-style/active-voiceand-passive-voice/