1. What is Voice in Grammar?
In grammar, voice shows whether the subject of a sentence performs the action (active) or
receives the action (passive).
2. Active Voice
In the active voice, the subject does the action. This form is clear, direct, and commonly used
in writing and speech.
Structure:
Subject + Verb + Object
Examples:
The scientist conducted the experiment.
She wrote a letter.
The teacher explained the lesson clearly.
3. Passive Voice
In the passive voice, the subject receives the action. This is often used when the doer is
unknown, unimportant, or implied.
Structure:
Object + form of "to be" + Past Participle + (by Subject)
Examples:
The experiment was conducted by the scientist.
A letter was written by her.
The lesson was clearly explained by the teacher.
4. Changing Active to Passive Voice
Use the correct form of the verb "to be" + past participle. The tense stays the same.
Tense Active Passive
Present Simple They clean the house. The house is cleaned.
Past Simple She solved the problem. The problem was solved.
Tense Active Passive
Future Simple He will complete the work. The work will be completed.
Present Continuous They are watching a movie. A movie is being watched.
Past Perfect She had written a novel. A novel had been written.
5. When to Use Passive Voice
When the doer is unknown: "The window was broken."
When the doer is irrelevant: "Rules are followed in this lab."
In scientific writing: "The sample was tested for contamination."
To shift focus: "A new policy was introduced by the government."
6. Practice Sentences
Convert the following active voice sentences into passive voice:
1. The engineer designed the bridge.
2. The committee will review the proposal.
3. She is baking a cake.
4. They had completed the construction.
5. The librarian issues books.
Convert the following passive voice sentences into active voice:
1. The letter was mailed by John.
2. The solution is being prepared by the chemist.
3. A new law has been passed.
4. The game was won by the underdogs.
5. The trophy will be presented by the principal.
7. Examples Inspired by Wikipedia-style Facts
Active: Alfred Nobel invented dynamite.
Passive: Dynamite was invented by Alfred Nobel.
Active: Astronauts explored the moon in 1969.
Passive: The moon was explored by astronauts in 1969.
Active: Engineers built the Eiffel Tower in 1889.
Passive: The Eiffel Tower was built in 1889 by engineers.
Active: India won independence in 1947.
Passive: Independence was won by India in 1947.
Active: Scientists decode genetic information from DNA.
Passive: Genetic information is decoded from DNA by scientists.
