Transcript to Learn about Passive and Active Voice
Slide 1
Passive Voice
We use the passive voice to show that something happens to the
subject of the sentence.
The person or thing that causes or carries out the action is called
an agent.
We form the passive voice with the verb be and the past
participle of the main verb.
Reasons to use the passive voice:
The agent (or doer) of the action is less important
The agent is unknown
The agent is common knowledge, and it is redundant to
mention it
Example:
The Family was entertained by the clown.
The Family
Agent
Was
Verb to be
Entertained
Main verb ( past participle)
By the clown
Subject
Active Voice
We use the active voice to show that the grammatical
subject coincides with the agent of the action expressed
by the verb.
Sentences in active voice are also more concise than
those in passive voice because fewer words are required
to express action in active voice than in passive.
Reasons to use the active voice:
The active voice is much more direct.
The active voice is less awkward and clearest.
The active voice is shorter.
Example:
The clown was entertaining to the Family.
The clown
Subject
Was Entertaining
Action
To the Family
Agent of the action
Changing passive to active
If you want to change a passive-voice sentence to active voice, find the
agent in a "by the…" phrase, or consider carefully who or what is
performing the action expressed in the verb. Make that agent the subject
of the sentence, and change the verb accordingly. Sometimes you will
need to infer the agent from the surrounding sentences which provide
context.
Example:
Sentence in Passive voice
The book is being read by most of the class
Agent
Most of the class
Changed to Active voice
Most of the class is reading the book
Changing active to passive
If you want to change an active-voice sentence to passive voice,
consider carefully who or what is performing the action expressed in the
verb, and then make that agent the object of a "by the…" phrase. Make
what is acted upon the subject of the sentence, and change the verb to a
form of be + past participle. Including an explicit "by the..." phrase is
optional.
Example:
Sentence in Active Voice
Scientists have discovered traces of ice on the surface of Mars.
Agent
Scientist
Changed to Passive voice
Traces of ice have been discovered on the surface of Mars by Scientist.
Slide 2
Passive Voice
We use the passive voice to show that something happens to the
subject of the sentence.
The person or thing that causes or carries out the action is called
an agent.
We form the passive voice with the verb be and the past
participle of the main verb.
Reasons to use the passive voice:
The agent (or doer) of the action is less important
The agent is unknown
The agent is common knowledge, and it is redundant to
mention it
Example:
The Family was entertained by the clown.
The Family
Agent
Was
Verb to be
Entertained
Main verb ( past participle)
By the clown
Subject
Active Voice
We use the active voice to show that the grammatical
subject coincides with the agent of the action expressed
by the verb.
Sentences in active voice are also more concise than
those in passive voice because fewer words are required
to express action in active voice than in passive.
Reasons to use the active voice:
The active voice is much more direct.
The active voice is less awkward and clearest.
The active voice is shorter.
Example:
The clown was entertaining to the Family.
The clown
Subject
Was Entertaining
Action
To the Family
Agent of the action
Changing passive to active
If you want to change a passive-voice sentence to active voice, find the
agent in a "by the…" phrase, or consider carefully who or what is
performing the action expressed in the verb. Make that agent the subject
of the sentence, and change the verb accordingly. Sometimes you will
need to infer the agent from the surrounding sentences which provide
context.
Example:
Sentence in Passive voice
The book is being read by most of the class
Agent
Most of the class
Changed to Active voice
Most of the class is reading the book
Changing active to passive
If you want to change an active-voice sentence to passive voice,
consider carefully who or what is performing the action expressed in the
verb, and then make that agent the object of a "by the…" phrase. Make
what is acted upon the subject of the sentence, and change the verb to a
form of be + past participle. Including an explicit "by the..." phrase is
optional.
Example:
Sentence in Active Voice
Scientists have discovered traces of ice on the surface of Mars.
Agent
Scientist
Changed to Passive voice
Traces of ice have been discovered on the surface of Mars by Scientist.
Slide 3
Passive Voice
We use the passive voice to show that something happens to the
subject of the sentence.
The person or thing that causes or carries out the action is called
an agent.
We form the passive voice with the verb be and the past
participle of the main verb.
Reasons to use the passive voice:
The agent (or doer) of the action is less important
The agent is unknown
The agent is common knowledge, and it is redundant to
mention it
Example:
The Family was entertained by the clown.
The Family
Agent
Was
Verb to be
Entertained
Main verb ( past participle)
By the clown
Subject
Active Voice
We use the active voice to show that the grammatical
subject coincides with the agent of the action expressed
by the verb.
Sentences in active voice are also more concise than
those in passive voice because fewer words are required
to express action in active voice than in passive.
Reasons to use the active voice:
The active voice is much more direct.
The active voice is less awkward and clearest.
The active voice is shorter.
Example:
The clown was entertaining to the Family.
The clown
Subject
Was Entertaining
Action
To the Family
Agent of the action
Changing passive to active
If you want to change a passive-voice sentence to active voice, find the
agent in a "by the…" phrase, or consider carefully who or what is
performing the action expressed in the verb. Make that agent the subject
of the sentence, and change the verb accordingly. Sometimes you will
need to infer the agent from the surrounding sentences which provide
context.
Example:
Sentence in Passive voice
The book is being read by most of the class
Agent
Most of the class
Changed to Active voice
Most of the class is reading the book
Changing active to passive
If you want to change an active-voice sentence to passive voice,
consider carefully who or what is performing the action expressed in the
verb, and then make that agent the object of a "by the…" phrase. Make
what is acted upon the subject of the sentence, and change the verb to a
form of be + past participle. Including an explicit "by the..." phrase is
optional.
Example:
Sentence in Active Voice
Scientists have discovered traces of ice on the surface of Mars.
Agent
Scientist
Changed to Passive voice
Traces of ice have been discovered on the surface of Mars by Scientist.
Slide 4
Passive Voice
We use the passive voice to show that something happens to the
subject of the sentence.
The person or thing that causes or carries out the action is called
an agent.
We form the passive voice with the verb be and the past
participle of the main verb.
Reasons to use the passive voice:
The agent (or doer) of the action is less important
The agent is unknown
The agent is common knowledge, and it is redundant to
mention it
Example:
The Family was entertained by the clown.
The Family
Agent
Was
Verb to be
Entertained
Main verb ( past participle)
By the clown
Subject
Active Voice
We use the active voice to show that the grammatical
subject coincides with the agent of the action expressed
by the verb.
Sentences in active voice are also more concise than
those in passive voice because fewer words are required
to express action in active voice than in passive.
Reasons to use the active voice:
The active voice is much more direct.
The active voice is less awkward and clearest.
The active voice is shorter.
Example:
The clown was entertaining to the Family.
The clown
Subject
Was Entertaining
Action
To the Family
Agent of the action
Changing passive to active
If you want to change a passive-voice sentence to active voice, find the
agent in a "by the…" phrase, or consider carefully who or what is
performing the action expressed in the verb. Make that agent the subject
of the sentence, and change the verb accordingly. Sometimes you will
need to infer the agent from the surrounding sentences which provide
context.
Example:
Sentence in Passive voice
The book is being read by most of the class
Agent
Most of the class
Changed to Active voice
Most of the class is reading the book
Changing active to passive
If you want to change an active-voice sentence to passive voice,
consider carefully who or what is performing the action expressed in the
verb, and then make that agent the object of a "by the…" phrase. Make
what is acted upon the subject of the sentence, and change the verb to a
form of be + past participle. Including an explicit "by the..." phrase is
optional.
Example:
Sentence in Active Voice
Scientists have discovered traces of ice on the surface of Mars.
Agent
Scientist
Changed to Passive voice
Traces of ice have been discovered on the surface of Mars by Scientist.
Slide 5
Passive Voice
We use the passive voice to show that something happens to the
subject of the sentence.
The person or thing that causes or carries out the action is called
an agent.
We form the passive voice with the verb be and the past
participle of the main verb.
Reasons to use the passive voice:
The agent (or doer) of the action is less important
The agent is unknown
The agent is common knowledge, and it is redundant to
mention it
Example:
The Family was entertained by the clown.
The Family
Agent
Was
Verb to be
Entertained
Main verb ( past participle)
By the clown
Subject
Active Voice
We use the active voice to show that the grammatical
subject coincides with the agent of the action expressed
by the verb.
Sentences in active voice are also more concise than
those in passive voice because fewer words are required
to express action in active voice than in passive.
Reasons to use the active voice:
The active voice is much more direct.
The active voice is less awkward and clearest.
The active voice is shorter.
Example:
The clown was entertaining to the Family.
The clown
Subject
Was Entertaining
Action
To the Family
Agent of the action
Changing passive to active
If you want to change a passive-voice sentence to active voice, find the
agent in a "by the…" phrase, or consider carefully who or what is
performing the action expressed in the verb. Make that agent the subject
of the sentence, and change the verb accordingly. Sometimes you will
need to infer the agent from the surrounding sentences which provide
context.
Example:
Sentence in Passive voice
The book is being read by most of the class
Agent
Most of the class
Changed to Active voice
Most of the class is reading the book
Changing active to passive
If you want to change an active-voice sentence to passive voice,
consider carefully who or what is performing the action expressed in the
verb, and then make that agent the object of a "by the…" phrase. Make
what is acted upon the subject of the sentence, and change the verb to a
form of be + past participle. Including an explicit "by the..." phrase is
optional.
Example:
Sentence in Active Voice
Scientists have discovered traces of ice on the surface of Mars.
Agent
Scientist
Changed to Passive voice
Traces of ice have been discovered on the surface of Mars by Scientist.
Slide 6
Passive Voice
We use the passive voice to show that something happens to the
subject of the sentence.
The person or thing that causes or carries out the action is called
an agent.
We form the passive voice with the verb be and the past
participle of the main verb.
Reasons to use the passive voice:
The agent (or doer) of the action is less important
The agent is unknown
The agent is common knowledge, and it is redundant to
mention it
Example:
The Family was entertained by the clown.
The Family
Agent
Was
Verb to be
Entertained
Main verb ( past participle)
By the clown
Subject
Active Voice
We use the active voice to show that the grammatical
subject coincides with the agent of the action expressed
by the verb.
Sentences in active voice are also more concise than
those in passive voice because fewer words are required
to express action in active voice than in passive.
Reasons to use the active voice:
The active voice is much more direct.
The active voice is less awkward and clearest.
The active voice is shorter.
Example:
The clown was entertaining to the Family.
The clown
Subject
Was Entertaining
Action
To the Family
Agent of the action
Changing passive to active
If you want to change a passive-voice sentence to active voice, find the
agent in a "by the…" phrase, or consider carefully who or what is
performing the action expressed in the verb. Make that agent the subject
of the sentence, and change the verb accordingly. Sometimes you will
need to infer the agent from the surrounding sentences which provide
context.
Example:
Sentence in Passive voice
The book is being read by most of the class
Agent
Most of the class
Changed to Active voice
Most of the class is reading the book
Changing active to passive
If you want to change an active-voice sentence to passive voice,
consider carefully who or what is performing the action expressed in the
verb, and then make that agent the object of a "by the…" phrase. Make
what is acted upon the subject of the sentence, and change the verb to a
form of be + past participle. Including an explicit "by the..." phrase is
optional.
Example:
Sentence in Active Voice
Scientists have discovered traces of ice on the surface of Mars.
Agent
Scientist
Changed to Passive voice
Traces of ice have been discovered on the surface of Mars by Scientist.
Slide 7
Passive Voice
We use the passive voice to show that something happens to the
subject of the sentence.
The person or thing that causes or carries out the action is called
an agent.
We form the passive voice with the verb be and the past
participle of the main verb.
Reasons to use the passive voice:
The agent (or doer) of the action is less important
The agent is unknown
The agent is common knowledge, and it is redundant to
mention it
Example:
The Family was entertained by the clown.
The Family
Agent
Was
Verb to be
Entertained
Main verb ( past participle)
By the clown
Subject
Active Voice
We use the active voice to show that the grammatical
subject coincides with the agent of the action expressed
by the verb.
Sentences in active voice are also more concise than
those in passive voice because fewer words are required
to express action in active voice than in passive.
Reasons to use the active voice:
The active voice is much more direct.
The active voice is less awkward and clearest.
The active voice is shorter.
Example:
The clown was entertaining to the Family.
The clown
Subject
Was Entertaining
Action
To the Family
Agent of the action
Changing passive to active
If you want to change a passive-voice sentence to active voice, find the
agent in a "by the…" phrase, or consider carefully who or what is
performing the action expressed in the verb. Make that agent the subject
of the sentence, and change the verb accordingly. Sometimes you will
need to infer the agent from the surrounding sentences which provide
context.
Example:
Sentence in Passive voice
The book is being read by most of the class
Agent
Most of the class
Changed to Active voice
Most of the class is reading the book
Changing active to passive
If you want to change an active-voice sentence to passive voice,
consider carefully who or what is performing the action expressed in the
verb, and then make that agent the object of a "by the…" phrase. Make
what is acted upon the subject of the sentence, and change the verb to a
form of be + past participle. Including an explicit "by the..." phrase is
optional.
Example:
Sentence in Active Voice
Scientists have discovered traces of ice on the surface of Mars.
Agent
Scientist
Changed to Passive voice
Traces of ice have been discovered on the surface of Mars by Scientist.
Passive Voice
We use the passive voice to show that something happens to the
subject of the sentence.
The person or thing that causes or carries out the action is called
an agent.
We form the passive voice with the verb be and the past
participle of the main verb.
Reasons to use the passive voice:
The agent (or doer) of the action is less important
The agent is unknown
The agent is common knowledge, and it is redundant to
mention it
Example:
The Family was entertained by the clown.
The Family
Agent
Was
Verb to be
Entertained
Main verb ( past participle)
By the clown
Subject
Active Voice
We use the active voice to show that the grammatical
subject coincides with the agent of the action expressed
by the verb.
Sentences in active voice are also more concise than
those in passive voice because fewer words are required
to express action in active voice than in passive.
Reasons to use the active voice:
The active voice is much more direct.
The active voice is less awkward and clearest.
The active voice is shorter.
Example:
The clown was entertaining to the Family.
The clown
Subject
Was Entertaining
Action
To the Family
Agent of the action
Changing passive to active
If you want to change a passive-voice sentence to active voice, find the
agent in a "by the…" phrase, or consider carefully who or what is
performing the action expressed in the verb. Make that agent the subject
of the sentence, and change the verb accordingly. Sometimes you will
need to infer the agent from the surrounding sentences which provide
context.
Example:
Sentence in Passive voice
The book is being read by most of the class
Agent
Most of the class
Changed to Active voice
Most of the class is reading the book
Changing active to passive
If you want to change an active-voice sentence to passive voice,
consider carefully who or what is performing the action expressed in the
verb, and then make that agent the object of a "by the…" phrase. Make
what is acted upon the subject of the sentence, and change the verb to a
form of be + past participle. Including an explicit "by the..." phrase is
optional.
Example:
Sentence in Active Voice
Scientists have discovered traces of ice on the surface of Mars.
Agent
Scientist
Changed to Passive voice
Traces of ice have been discovered on the surface of Mars by Scientist.
Slide 2
Passive Voice
We use the passive voice to show that something happens to the
subject of the sentence.
The person or thing that causes or carries out the action is called
an agent.
We form the passive voice with the verb be and the past
participle of the main verb.
Reasons to use the passive voice:
The agent (or doer) of the action is less important
The agent is unknown
The agent is common knowledge, and it is redundant to
mention it
Example:
The Family was entertained by the clown.
The Family
Agent
Was
Verb to be
Entertained
Main verb ( past participle)
By the clown
Subject
Active Voice
We use the active voice to show that the grammatical
subject coincides with the agent of the action expressed
by the verb.
Sentences in active voice are also more concise than
those in passive voice because fewer words are required
to express action in active voice than in passive.
Reasons to use the active voice:
The active voice is much more direct.
The active voice is less awkward and clearest.
The active voice is shorter.
Example:
The clown was entertaining to the Family.
The clown
Subject
Was Entertaining
Action
To the Family
Agent of the action
Changing passive to active
If you want to change a passive-voice sentence to active voice, find the
agent in a "by the…" phrase, or consider carefully who or what is
performing the action expressed in the verb. Make that agent the subject
of the sentence, and change the verb accordingly. Sometimes you will
need to infer the agent from the surrounding sentences which provide
context.
Example:
Sentence in Passive voice
The book is being read by most of the class
Agent
Most of the class
Changed to Active voice
Most of the class is reading the book
Changing active to passive
If you want to change an active-voice sentence to passive voice,
consider carefully who or what is performing the action expressed in the
verb, and then make that agent the object of a "by the…" phrase. Make
what is acted upon the subject of the sentence, and change the verb to a
form of be + past participle. Including an explicit "by the..." phrase is
optional.
Example:
Sentence in Active Voice
Scientists have discovered traces of ice on the surface of Mars.
Agent
Scientist
Changed to Passive voice
Traces of ice have been discovered on the surface of Mars by Scientist.
Slide 3
Passive Voice
We use the passive voice to show that something happens to the
subject of the sentence.
The person or thing that causes or carries out the action is called
an agent.
We form the passive voice with the verb be and the past
participle of the main verb.
Reasons to use the passive voice:
The agent (or doer) of the action is less important
The agent is unknown
The agent is common knowledge, and it is redundant to
mention it
Example:
The Family was entertained by the clown.
The Family
Agent
Was
Verb to be
Entertained
Main verb ( past participle)
By the clown
Subject
Active Voice
We use the active voice to show that the grammatical
subject coincides with the agent of the action expressed
by the verb.
Sentences in active voice are also more concise than
those in passive voice because fewer words are required
to express action in active voice than in passive.
Reasons to use the active voice:
The active voice is much more direct.
The active voice is less awkward and clearest.
The active voice is shorter.
Example:
The clown was entertaining to the Family.
The clown
Subject
Was Entertaining
Action
To the Family
Agent of the action
Changing passive to active
If you want to change a passive-voice sentence to active voice, find the
agent in a "by the…" phrase, or consider carefully who or what is
performing the action expressed in the verb. Make that agent the subject
of the sentence, and change the verb accordingly. Sometimes you will
need to infer the agent from the surrounding sentences which provide
context.
Example:
Sentence in Passive voice
The book is being read by most of the class
Agent
Most of the class
Changed to Active voice
Most of the class is reading the book
Changing active to passive
If you want to change an active-voice sentence to passive voice,
consider carefully who or what is performing the action expressed in the
verb, and then make that agent the object of a "by the…" phrase. Make
what is acted upon the subject of the sentence, and change the verb to a
form of be + past participle. Including an explicit "by the..." phrase is
optional.
Example:
Sentence in Active Voice
Scientists have discovered traces of ice on the surface of Mars.
Agent
Scientist
Changed to Passive voice
Traces of ice have been discovered on the surface of Mars by Scientist.
Slide 4
Passive Voice
We use the passive voice to show that something happens to the
subject of the sentence.
The person or thing that causes or carries out the action is called
an agent.
We form the passive voice with the verb be and the past
participle of the main verb.
Reasons to use the passive voice:
The agent (or doer) of the action is less important
The agent is unknown
The agent is common knowledge, and it is redundant to
mention it
Example:
The Family was entertained by the clown.
The Family
Agent
Was
Verb to be
Entertained
Main verb ( past participle)
By the clown
Subject
Active Voice
We use the active voice to show that the grammatical
subject coincides with the agent of the action expressed
by the verb.
Sentences in active voice are also more concise than
those in passive voice because fewer words are required
to express action in active voice than in passive.
Reasons to use the active voice:
The active voice is much more direct.
The active voice is less awkward and clearest.
The active voice is shorter.
Example:
The clown was entertaining to the Family.
The clown
Subject
Was Entertaining
Action
To the Family
Agent of the action
Changing passive to active
If you want to change a passive-voice sentence to active voice, find the
agent in a "by the…" phrase, or consider carefully who or what is
performing the action expressed in the verb. Make that agent the subject
of the sentence, and change the verb accordingly. Sometimes you will
need to infer the agent from the surrounding sentences which provide
context.
Example:
Sentence in Passive voice
The book is being read by most of the class
Agent
Most of the class
Changed to Active voice
Most of the class is reading the book
Changing active to passive
If you want to change an active-voice sentence to passive voice,
consider carefully who or what is performing the action expressed in the
verb, and then make that agent the object of a "by the…" phrase. Make
what is acted upon the subject of the sentence, and change the verb to a
form of be + past participle. Including an explicit "by the..." phrase is
optional.
Example:
Sentence in Active Voice
Scientists have discovered traces of ice on the surface of Mars.
Agent
Scientist
Changed to Passive voice
Traces of ice have been discovered on the surface of Mars by Scientist.
Slide 5
Passive Voice
We use the passive voice to show that something happens to the
subject of the sentence.
The person or thing that causes or carries out the action is called
an agent.
We form the passive voice with the verb be and the past
participle of the main verb.
Reasons to use the passive voice:
The agent (or doer) of the action is less important
The agent is unknown
The agent is common knowledge, and it is redundant to
mention it
Example:
The Family was entertained by the clown.
The Family
Agent
Was
Verb to be
Entertained
Main verb ( past participle)
By the clown
Subject
Active Voice
We use the active voice to show that the grammatical
subject coincides with the agent of the action expressed
by the verb.
Sentences in active voice are also more concise than
those in passive voice because fewer words are required
to express action in active voice than in passive.
Reasons to use the active voice:
The active voice is much more direct.
The active voice is less awkward and clearest.
The active voice is shorter.
Example:
The clown was entertaining to the Family.
The clown
Subject
Was Entertaining
Action
To the Family
Agent of the action
Changing passive to active
If you want to change a passive-voice sentence to active voice, find the
agent in a "by the…" phrase, or consider carefully who or what is
performing the action expressed in the verb. Make that agent the subject
of the sentence, and change the verb accordingly. Sometimes you will
need to infer the agent from the surrounding sentences which provide
context.
Example:
Sentence in Passive voice
The book is being read by most of the class
Agent
Most of the class
Changed to Active voice
Most of the class is reading the book
Changing active to passive
If you want to change an active-voice sentence to passive voice,
consider carefully who or what is performing the action expressed in the
verb, and then make that agent the object of a "by the…" phrase. Make
what is acted upon the subject of the sentence, and change the verb to a
form of be + past participle. Including an explicit "by the..." phrase is
optional.
Example:
Sentence in Active Voice
Scientists have discovered traces of ice on the surface of Mars.
Agent
Scientist
Changed to Passive voice
Traces of ice have been discovered on the surface of Mars by Scientist.
Slide 6
Passive Voice
We use the passive voice to show that something happens to the
subject of the sentence.
The person or thing that causes or carries out the action is called
an agent.
We form the passive voice with the verb be and the past
participle of the main verb.
Reasons to use the passive voice:
The agent (or doer) of the action is less important
The agent is unknown
The agent is common knowledge, and it is redundant to
mention it
Example:
The Family was entertained by the clown.
The Family
Agent
Was
Verb to be
Entertained
Main verb ( past participle)
By the clown
Subject
Active Voice
We use the active voice to show that the grammatical
subject coincides with the agent of the action expressed
by the verb.
Sentences in active voice are also more concise than
those in passive voice because fewer words are required
to express action in active voice than in passive.
Reasons to use the active voice:
The active voice is much more direct.
The active voice is less awkward and clearest.
The active voice is shorter.
Example:
The clown was entertaining to the Family.
The clown
Subject
Was Entertaining
Action
To the Family
Agent of the action
Changing passive to active
If you want to change a passive-voice sentence to active voice, find the
agent in a "by the…" phrase, or consider carefully who or what is
performing the action expressed in the verb. Make that agent the subject
of the sentence, and change the verb accordingly. Sometimes you will
need to infer the agent from the surrounding sentences which provide
context.
Example:
Sentence in Passive voice
The book is being read by most of the class
Agent
Most of the class
Changed to Active voice
Most of the class is reading the book
Changing active to passive
If you want to change an active-voice sentence to passive voice,
consider carefully who or what is performing the action expressed in the
verb, and then make that agent the object of a "by the…" phrase. Make
what is acted upon the subject of the sentence, and change the verb to a
form of be + past participle. Including an explicit "by the..." phrase is
optional.
Example:
Sentence in Active Voice
Scientists have discovered traces of ice on the surface of Mars.
Agent
Scientist
Changed to Passive voice
Traces of ice have been discovered on the surface of Mars by Scientist.
Slide 7
Passive Voice
We use the passive voice to show that something happens to the
subject of the sentence.
The person or thing that causes or carries out the action is called
an agent.
We form the passive voice with the verb be and the past
participle of the main verb.
Reasons to use the passive voice:
The agent (or doer) of the action is less important
The agent is unknown
The agent is common knowledge, and it is redundant to
mention it
Example:
The Family was entertained by the clown.
The Family
Agent
Was
Verb to be
Entertained
Main verb ( past participle)
By the clown
Subject
Active Voice
We use the active voice to show that the grammatical
subject coincides with the agent of the action expressed
by the verb.
Sentences in active voice are also more concise than
those in passive voice because fewer words are required
to express action in active voice than in passive.
Reasons to use the active voice:
The active voice is much more direct.
The active voice is less awkward and clearest.
The active voice is shorter.
Example:
The clown was entertaining to the Family.
The clown
Subject
Was Entertaining
Action
To the Family
Agent of the action
Changing passive to active
If you want to change a passive-voice sentence to active voice, find the
agent in a "by the…" phrase, or consider carefully who or what is
performing the action expressed in the verb. Make that agent the subject
of the sentence, and change the verb accordingly. Sometimes you will
need to infer the agent from the surrounding sentences which provide
context.
Example:
Sentence in Passive voice
The book is being read by most of the class
Agent
Most of the class
Changed to Active voice
Most of the class is reading the book
Changing active to passive
If you want to change an active-voice sentence to passive voice,
consider carefully who or what is performing the action expressed in the
verb, and then make that agent the object of a "by the…" phrase. Make
what is acted upon the subject of the sentence, and change the verb to a
form of be + past participle. Including an explicit "by the..." phrase is
optional.
Example:
Sentence in Active Voice
Scientists have discovered traces of ice on the surface of Mars.
Agent
Scientist
Changed to Passive voice
Traces of ice have been discovered on the surface of Mars by Scientist.