Active and Passive

Voice

Active Voice:

In the active voice, the subject performs the action of the verb.  For example:

My brothers played at the park.

The cats climbed the curtains.

Passive Voice:

In the passive voice, the subject receives the action expressed by the verb.  For example:

A painting was created by the artist.

A song was sung by the music teacher.

Helpful Hints for Identifying Passive Voice:

Tense:                                   Passive Voice Form:

Present---------------------------it is washed
Past--------------------------------it was washed
Future----------------------------it will be washed
Present perfect--------------it has been washed
Past perfect--------------------it had been washed
Future perfect----------------it will have been washed

Passive vs. Active:

    Use the passive voice to:

• Avoid calling attention to the performer of the action.
  For example:  The homework will be turned in on Friday.

• Call attention to the receiver of the action rather than the performer.
  For example:  The student was told to write a paper.

• Point out the receiver of the action when the performer is unknown or unimportant.  
  For example:  The paper was turned in.  

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