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Active vs Passive Voice

What is active voice? In active voice, the subject does the action.
What is passive voice? In passive voice, the subject receives the action.

Active voice is usually clearer and more direct, but passive voice is useful when the doer is unknown or less important.

Structure

Active: Subject + Verb + Object
Passive: Object + (form of "be") + Past Participle + by Subject

Active Voice Examples

  • The cat chased the mouse.
  • She wrote a letter.
  • The dog ate the bone.
  • They built a sandcastle.
  • The teacher explained the lesson.

Passive Voice Examples

  • The mouse was chased by the cat.
  • A letter was written by her.
  • The bone was eaten by the dog.
  • A sandcastle was built by them.
  • The lesson was explained by the teacher.

Worksheet: Active or Passive?

  1. The cake was baked by Tom.
  2. Sara reads a book.
  3. The window was broken by the ball.
  4. The children played soccer.
  5. The homework was completed by the student.
Show Answers
  • Q1: Passive
  • Q2: Active
  • Q3: Passive
  • Q4: Active
  • Q5: Passive

Tips for Using Active and Passive Voice

  • Use active voice for clear, direct sentences.
  • Use passive voice when the doer is unknown or less important.
  • Look for forms of "be" (is, was, were) and "by" to spot passive voice.

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