Grammar of Active Voice and Passive Voice

Active voice and passive voice are two different ways to structure sentences, depending on how the action is presented in relation to the subject and object.

Active Voice:

In active voice, the subject of the sentence performs the action expressed by the verb. It is straightforward and direct.

Examples:

1. The dog chased the cat. (Subject: The dog, Verb: chased, Object: the cat)
2. She bought a new car yesterday. (Subject: She, Verb: bought, Object: a new car)

Explanation Rules:

1. Subject Performs the Action: In active voice sentences, the subject performs the action expressed by the verb.
2. Sentence Structure: The sentence structure typically follows the order of subject-verb-object.

Passive Voice:

In passive voice, the subject of the sentence receives the action expressed by the verb. The focus is on what is being acted upon rather than who is performing the action.

Examples:

1. The cat was chased by the dog. (Subject: The cat, Verb: was chased, Agent: by the dog)
2. A new car was bought by her yesterday. (Subject: A new car, Verb: was bought, Agent: by her)

Explanation Rules:

1. Subject Receives the Action: In passive voice sentences, the subject receives the action expressed by the verb.
2. Sentence Structure: The sentence structure typically follows the order of object-verb-subject or subject-verb in passive voice constructions.

Exercise: Choose the correct form of the voice in each sentence.

1. The cake (was baked/baked) by Mary.
2. John (was given/gave) a present by his friend.
3. The report (will be submitted/will submit) tomorrow.
4. The novel (was written/wrote) by the famous author.
5. The window (was broken/broke) by the storm.
6. The song (is sung/sings) by a famous artist.
7. The project (has been completed/has completed) by the team.
8. The message (was sent/sent) by email.
9. The keys (were found/found) under the table.
10. The painting (was created/created) by a talented artist.

Answers:

1. was baked
2. was given
3. will be submitted
4. was written
5. was broken
6. is sung
7. has been completed
8. was sent
9. were found
10. was created