DIFFERENTIATING
BETWEEN ACTIVE
AND PASSIVE
VOICE
Active Voice
–
Subject performs the action
–
Typically shorter and more straightforward
–
Common in everyday communication
–
Emphasizes the doer of the action
–
–
Active voice often sounds more engaging and
dynamic
Example: " They built a sandcastle on the beach"
Passive Voice






Object of the action becomes the subject
Often uses a form of "to be" verb (e.g., is, was, were)
Can be wordier and less direct
Emphasizes the receiver of the action or the action
itself
Passive voice can be used to shift focus away from the
doer
Example: " A beautiful song at the concert was
sung by her”
Tips for Recognition:
• Look for the position of the subject, verb, and object in
the sentence.
• Identify the "doer" of the action; in active voice, it's
usually the subject.
• Notice whether the sentence feels more direct and clear
(active) or somewhat more distant and focused on the
receiver of the action (passive).
• Consider the sequence of events: active voice typically
mentions the doer first, while passive voice may mention
the receiver first.
Activity:
Identify following sentences as Active or
Passive Voice
■
■
■
■
■
■
The cake has been eaten by the children
The letter was mailed by the secretary this morning
She sang a beautiful song at the concert
The book was read by everyone in the class
The team completed the project ahead of schedule.
The masterpiece was admired by art enthusiasts from around
the world.
Answers
■ The cake has been eaten by the children. [Passive]
■ The letter was mailed by the secretary this morning.
[Passive]
■ She sang a beautiful song at the concert. [Active]
■ The book was read by everyone in the class. [Passive]
■ The team completed the project ahead of schedule. [Active]
■ The masterpiece was admired by art enthusiasts from around
the world. [Passive]