Passive Verb Review #2
Passive verbs add unnecessary words to a sentence.
Passive verbs are harder to understand and can make a sentence easily more confusing.
Passive verbs hide the subjects and what the sentence is about.
Passive verbs rarely show but tell, and are less visual, less descriptive.
Most common include: is, was, were, are, am, have been, has been, had been,
seems
Underline the passive verbs below and then rewrite each sentence into a better, active
verb:
1. In the next chapter, the family dynamics are explained.
2. It has been determined that we will bid on that job.
3. It was argued strongly that making cars more efficient was the committee’s
first concern.
4. The price of gas was raised for the second time this week by that gas
station.
5. The spring flowers are blooming that I planted last month.
6. Many dogs and cats are offered for adoption by that agency.
Passive Verbs
Writers too often use passive verbs and passive construction. Count the number of times you use
a form of "to be" in your essay. Often, these words should be replaced with more colorful and
precise verbs. What action is really taking place? Try using stronger verbs.
Forms of "to be"
is
am
are
was
were
will be
will have been
has been
had been
would have been
being
to be
etc.
Other boring verbs
exists
seems
appears
represents
presents
constitutes
offers
has
acts as
displays
makes
exemplifies
describes
characterizes
shows
occurs
contains
Passive construction
there is
there are
it is
here is
Long veils are worn by brides
in formal weddings.
Hillary Clinton is admired by
many feminists.
Examples:
Veils are worn by brides in formal weddings.
Possible Solutions:
Brides in formal weddings wear veils.
Betty seems to be an efficient typist.
Betty types efficiently.
Crest has been shown to be an effective, decay- Crest prevents cavities.
preventing dentifrice.
Something will be done about it by her mother. Her mother will do something about it.
The discussion will be led by Mr. James Clubb. Mr. James Clubb will lead the discussion.
There are many women who never marry.
Many women never marry.