Overview
This lecture explains the differences between active and passive voice, when to use each, and how to recognize and construct passive sentences.
Active Voice
- In active voice, the subject performs the action of the verb.
- Structure: Subject + Verb + Object (e.g., The chef cooked the meal).
- Active voice is usually clearer and more direct.
Passive Voice
- In passive voice, the subject receives the action of the verb.
- Structure: Object + Form of "to be" + Past Participle + (by + agent) (e.g., The meal was cooked by the chef).
- Passive voice is used when the agent is unknown, unimportant, or obvious.
When to Use Each Voice
- Use active voice for clear, concise statements and strong writing.
- Use passive voice to emphasize the receiver of the action or when the actor is unknown or irrelevant.
Identifying Passive Voice
- Look for a form of "to be" followed by a past participle.
- The agent performing the action may be omitted or introduced with "by".
Key Terms & Definitions
- Active Voice — A sentence structure where the subject performs the verb’s action.
- Passive Voice — A sentence structure where the subject receives the verb’s action.
- Past Participle — The verb form used in the perfect tenses and passive voice (e.g., "cooked," "written").
Action Items / Next Steps
- Practice identifying and converting sentences between active and passive voice.
- Complete any assigned exercises on active vs. passive voice.
- Review any example sentences provided in the course materials.