Using Active and
Passive Voice

Verbs and Voice
Voice is the form a verb takes to
indicate whether the subject of
the verb performs or receives the
action.
There are two types of voice: active
voice and passive voice.

Active Voice
Active voice shows that the subject of the
sentence is “the doer” of the action.
My dog dug a big hole in the backyard.
dog is the doer, dug is the action.

Passive Voice
Passive voice is the form of the verb that is used
when the subject of the sentence is the receiver
of the action.
The hole in the backyard was dug by the dog.
hole is the receiver of the action
was dug is the action

Why choose active voice?
Active voice is more direct and concise.
Passive voice is often wordier because of the
need to use a helping verb and a
prepositional phrase.

How to recognize passive verbs
1. Look for the helping verb and the past
participle form of the verb.
Breakfast was eaten in the kitchen.
2. Look for a prepositional phrase beginning
with the word “by.” (This contains the doer
of the action).
The holes in the backyard were dug by the dog.

When to use Passive Voice
1. When intentionally trying to hide the subject of
the sentence.
“Mistakes were made.” avoids the need to place the
blame on someone specific.
2. When passive voice better emphasizes the main
point of the message,
such as “The fire was caused by a careless smoker.