The document explains the differences between active and passive voice in English. It provides examples, including sentence transformations, and highlights when to omit the agent for dramatic effect. Various tenses and sentence structures in both voices are also discussed.

1. The active and the passive voice
1

2. The active and the passive voice
2
We usually use the active voice in writing
and speaking. E.g.
The girl
Someone or
something
(the agent)
does
something
(verb)
to someone or
something
else
(recipient)
the ball.kicked

3. The active and the passive voice
3
In the passive voice, we change this around,
so that the recipient has something done to
it by the agent. E.g.
Someone or
something
(recipient)
has
something
done to it
(verb)
by someone
or something
(the agent)
The ball was kicked by the girl.

4. The active and the passive voice
4
In these examples, spot the use of the
active voice and the passive voice.
The music was played by the DJ.
The sun was hidden by the clouds.
Delighted fans streamed onto the pitch.
Marie wrote the letter to the headteacher.
Danny was praised by the headteacher.
passive
passive
passive
active
active

5. The active and the passive voice
5
Sometimes in passive sentences, the agent is left
out.
Someone or
something
(recipient)
has
something
done to it
(verb)
by someone
or something
(the agent)
by the rainwas soakedThe pitch The agent - ‘the
rain’ - is left
out.
Why do you
think that the
agent might be
left out in this
example?

6. The active and the passive voice
6
Compare these sentences. One has the
agent, and the other hasn’t. Discuss the
differences.
The man was murdered
by someone!
The man was
murdered!
We do not know who
did the murder so
the agent is not
needed. It’s more
dramatic without it.
I see your car was
damaged last night by
my friend
I see your car was
damaged last night.
Far better to leave
out the agent if you
don’t want to be
involved!
Create your own passive
sentences which would be
best without an agent.

7. The active and the passive voice
 I can answerthe question.
The question can be
answered by me.
 The box would be carried
by her.
She would carry the box.
 You should open the
window.
The window should be
opened by you.
 Cards might be played by
us.
We might play cards.
 You ought to wash the car.
 They need not buy bread.
Bread need not be bought by
them.
 The sentence could not be
read by him.
He could not read the
sentence.
 Will the teachertest our
English?
Will ourEnglish be tested
by the teacher?
 Could the doorbe locked
by Jenny?
Could Jenny lockthe
door?
7

8. The active and the passive voice
 When an imperative command is to be
transformed the form will be –
Let + subject + be + past participle.
e.g.
o Hang him.
 Let him be hanged.
o Give the order.
 Let the order be given.
8

9. The active and the passive voice
 For the interrogatives the form will be –
Word + auxiliary verb + subject + past
participle.
For e.g.
o Who killed the snake?
 By whom the snake was killed.
9

10. The active and the passive voice
10
Tense AcTive voice PAssive voice
simPle PAsT Took WAs TAken
Were TAken
Tense AcTive voice PAssive voice
PAsT conTinuous WAs TAking WAs being TAking
Were TAking Were being TAking
Tense AcTive voice PAssive voice
PAsT PerfecT HAd TAken HAd been TAken

11. The active and the passive voice
11
Tense Active voice Passive Voice
PresenT PerfecT HAs TAken HAs been TAken
HAve TAken HAve been TAken
Tense AcTive voice PAssive voice
PresenT
conTinuous
Am TAking Am being TAken
is TAking is being TAken
Are TAking Are being TAken
Tense AcTive voice PAssive voice
simPle PresenT TAke Am TAken
TAkes is TAken
Are TAken
Tense AcTive voice PAssive
voice
simPle
fuTure
Will TAke Will be
TAken
sHAll TAke sHAll be

12. The active and the passive voice
1) Thomas feeds his dog.
active/passive
Thomas
2) The dog is fed by Thomas.
active/passive
Thomas
3) The family went to the
beach. Active/passive
The family
4) The letter was written by
Marshall. Active/passive
Marshall
5) The game had been won by
the blue team. Active/passive
the blue team
6)The problem was solved.
Active/passive
?
7)The stunt man risked his
life.
Active/passive
The stunt man
8)The fire was extinguished.
Active/passive
?
9)The car was being cleaned by
its owner. Active/passive
Its owner
10) It gets cold here during the
winter. Active/passive
It 12

13. 13
Change the voice of the following sentences.
1.The boys are plucking the fruits.
2.Are clothes bought by them ?
3.We made him confess the guilt.
4.Do not kill the snake.
5.It is known to us that it has been done by him.
6.I know that he has stolen my pen.
7.Close all the doors and windows.
8.Where did you find the picture ?
9.Please change this rule.
10.They say prices of goods will increase.

14. 14
1. The fruits are being plucked by the boys.
2. Do they buy clothes ?
3. He was made to confess the guilt.
4. Let not the snake be killed.
5. We know that he has done it.
6. It is known to me that my pen has been stolen by
him.
7. Let the doors and windows be closed.
8. Where was the picture found by you ?
9. Let the rules be changed.
10. It is said by them that the prices of goods will be
increased.