2. What’s the difference and why do
we care?
• The difference between passive and active voice
is very important. In writing, one of your
ultimate goals always has to be that you want to
be understood. Being CLEAR and PRECISE is
essential. If you have the wrong thing doing the
action, the reader can misunderstand your
intent.
• The boy punched the girl. (active)
• The girl was punched by the boy. (passive)
3. Active Voice
• The subject PERFORMS the
action.
• The boy spilled the milk.
• Tall trees fall hard.
4. Passive Voice
• The subject receives the action.
• The fire was started by a squirrel.
• The desk was kicked by the girl.
5. Think of it like football…
• The quarterback throws the ball, which is
ACTIVE (he is DOING something).
• The wide receiver catches the ball, which
is PASSIVE (something is being done TO
him).
