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.

Laura found a gold bracelet.
The students donated old books.

PASSIVE VOICE

A verb is passive if its action is
performed upon the subject.


A gold bracelet was found by Laura.
Old books were donated by the
students.

“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.