Active vs. Passive Voice Examples to Know for English Grammar and Usage

Understanding active and passive voice is key in English grammar. Active voice highlights the doer of the action, while passive voice shifts focus to the receiver. This distinction shapes clarity and emphasis in writing, impacting how messages are conveyed.

1. Active: The cat chased the mouse. / Passive: The mouse was chased by the cat.

   • The subject performs the action in the active voice.
   • The object becomes the subject in the passive voice.
   • The focus shifts from the doer (the cat) to the receiver (the mouse) in passive voice.

2. Active: John wrote the letter. / Passive: The letter was written by John.

   • The active voice emphasizes the doer (John).
   • The passive voice emphasizes the action and the object (the letter).
   • The agent (John) is often omitted in passive constructions when it's not important.

3. Active: The chef is preparing dinner. / Passive: Dinner is being prepared by the chef.

   • The active voice indicates an ongoing action.
   • The passive voice uses a form of "to be" plus the past participle.
   • The focus in passive voice is on the dinner rather than the chef.

4. Active: The company will announce the results tomorrow. / Passive: The results will be announced by the company tomorrow.

   • Future tense is used in both voices.
   • The passive voice can create a sense of anticipation about the results.
   • The doer (the company) can be less emphasized in passive constructions.

5. Active: Scientists have discovered a new species. / Passive: A new species has been discovered by scientists.

   • Present perfect tense indicates a completed action in both voices.
   • The passive voice highlights the new species rather than the scientists.
   • The passive construction can imply the importance of the discovery itself.

6. Active: The teacher graded the exams. / Passive: The exams were graded by the teacher.

   • The active voice shows who performed the action (the teacher).
   • The passive voice emphasizes the exams and the action performed on them.
   • The passive form can be used to avoid mentioning the doer if it's not relevant.

7. Active: The storm destroyed many houses. / Passive: Many houses were destroyed by the storm.

   • The active voice highlights the storm as the agent of destruction.
   • The passive voice shifts focus to the houses affected by the storm.
   • The passive construction can evoke sympathy for the victims (the houses).

8. Active: The committee is reviewing the proposal. / Passive: The proposal is being reviewed by the committee.

   • The active voice indicates an ongoing action by the committee.
   • The passive voice emphasizes the proposal being reviewed.
   • The use of "being" in passive voice indicates the action is currently happening.

9. Active: Shakespeare wrote this play. / Passive: This play was written by Shakespeare.

   • The active voice attributes the creation of the play directly to Shakespeare.
   • The passive voice highlights the play itself rather than the author.
   • The passive construction can be used to focus on the work rather than the creator.

10. Active: The police arrested the suspect. / Passive: The suspect was arrested by the police.

    • The active voice emphasizes the action taken by the police.
    • The passive voice shifts focus to the suspect and the action done to them.
    • The passive construction can create a sense of mystery or tension regarding the suspect's situation.