Active vs. Passive Voice
Learning Targets:
I can explain the difference between
the active and passive voice in a
sentence.
I can change active voice to passive
voice and vice versa when I write.
Active Voice:
• When the subject of the sentence
performs the action.
Example: Jo Jo pucked on the bus.
Active Voice:
Example: Jo Jo pucked on the bus.
S
V
prep. phrase direct object
Passive Voice:
• When the action is performed by the
direct object.
Example: The bus was pucked on by Jo Jo.
direct object
original S
Hints to Recognize the
Difference Between the
Active and Passive Voice:
• passive voice sentence is always longer
• contains a helping verb (form of “be)
• usually includes a prepositional phrase
starting with “by”
Why know the difference
between active and passive
voice?
• Your writing can be more clear and
concise (shorter) is mostly written in
the ACTIVE voice.
• Occasionally it is OK to write in the
PASSIVE voice.
Active or Passive Voice?
Sandy Cheeks played ball with
SpongeBob.
active!
Active or Passive Voice?
SpongeBob was played with by Sandy
Cheeks.
passive!
Active or Passive Voice?
SpongeBob was yelled at by Mr.
Krabbs.
passive!
Active or Passive Voice?
Mr. Krabbs yelled at SpongeBob.
active!
Active or Passive Voice?
Patrick drooled all over SpongeBob.
active!
Active or Passive Voice?
SpongeBob was drooled on by Patrick.
passive!
Active or Passive Voice?
Squidward played his clarinet.
active!
Active or Passive Voice?
The clarinet was played by Squidward.
passive!
Quick Video Time!
http://brightstorm.com/english/gra
mmar/voice-and-style/active-voiceand-passive-voice/