Verbs are either active or passive in voice. In the active voice,
the subject and verb relationship is straightforward: the subject is doing the
action and the object is receiving the action. In the passive voice, the action
is doing or is being done to the subject. Passive voice is used when the action
is the focus, not the subject. It is not important (or not known) who does the
action.
Most sentences are spoken and written in the active voice.
Active and Passive Voice
Active voice shows the subject doing the action and the object receiving the
action: "subject + verb + object". Passive voice shows the action
being done to the subject. Sometimes it is not important or stated who does the
action.
|
Active Voice |
Passive Voice |
|
Sam wrote a letter to Jamie. |
A letter was written to Jamie by Sam. |
|
The city built a new bridge. |
A new bridge was built by the city. |
|
Karen recommended this doctor. |
This doctor was recommended by Karen. |
|
Sally made dinner tonight. |
Dinner was made by Sally. |
|
The event planners will close the doors at
5:00 pm. |
The doors will be closed at 5:00 pm. |
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