RETEACH

Name:       Date:      

ACTIVE AND PASSIVE VOICE

The voice of a verb tells whether the subject performs an action or receives an
action. If the subject performs an action, the active voice is being used; if the
subject receives an action, the passive voice is being used.
The active voice is used for most writing. It makes writing clearer and easier to
understand. It keeps sentences from being too wordy, as fewer words are required
to communicate an idea.
Examples of Active Voice:

• Mom changed the flat tire. (The subject, Mom, performs the action, changed)

• Justine ran the obstacle course in under five minutes. (The subject, Justine,
performs the action, ran)

Use of the passive voice, on the other hand, can cloud meaning or sound
awkward.
Examples of Passive Voice:

• The flat tire was changed by Mom. (The subject, The flat tire, receives the action,
changed)

• The obstacle course was run by Justine in under five minutes. (The subject, The
obstacle course, receives the action, run)

A. DIRECTIONS: In each example of active voice, underline the subject. Double

underline the action the subject performs.
1. The debate team won first place in the tournament.
2. Mom and Dad watch a lot of old black-and-white movies.
3. Beautiful mustangs roam parts of Nevada.
4. Kylie taught her brother how to make banana bread.
5. Thomas promises to renovate the barn this summer.

B. DIRECTIONS: In each example of passive voice, underline the subject. Double

underline the action the subject receives.
1. The treaty was signed by the two presidents.
2. The entire house was dusted by my little sister.
3. The application form was filled out by Gerry.

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 PRACTICE

     

Name:       Date:      

ACTIVE AND PASSIVE VOICE

A. DIRECTIONS: On the line provided, rewrite each sentence using the active voice.
1. Instructions will be given to you by your department supervisor.
      
2. The entire house was remodeled by the owners.
      
3. The application form was filled out by Victor.
      
4. For the bake sale, three-dozen cookies were baked by the class parents.
      
5. The video was posted online by my friend Jenny Sue.
      

B. DIRECTIONS: For each example, tell whether it is written in the active (A) or the
passive (P) voice. Write your answer in the space provided.
     1. Jorge ate the last piece of pie.
     2. My idea was rejected by everyone.
     3. The Deweys grow flowers and vegetables in their garden.
     4. Reservations were made by my aunt and uncle for eight o’clock.
     5. Sarah read the whole novel in one day.

C. DIRECTIONS: Rewrite the sentences from Part B in a different voice.

1.                                    
2.                                    
3.                                    
4.                                    
5.                                    

© by Savvas Learning Company LLC. All Rights Reserved. 2