Mini-Course: Active and Passive Voice
Introduction
Understanding the difference between the active and passive voice is crucial for writing with purpose
and emphasis. The active voice focuses on the subject performing the action, while the passive voice
focuses on the action itself or the object receiving it.
Form and Structure
Active Voice
Structure: Subject + Verb + Object
Example: The Mother (subject) teaches (verb) the kids (object).
Focus: The subject performs the action.
Passive Voice
Structure: Object + Form of “to be” + Past Participle + (by + Subject)
Example: the kids (object) are taught (verb) by the Mother (subject).
Focus: The action or the receiver of the action.
Clear example in different Tenses
Tense Active Voice Example Passive Voice Example
Simple Present She writes a letter. A letter is written by her.
Present Continuous She is writing a letter. A letter is being written by her.
Simple Past She wrote a letter. A letter was written by her.
Past Continuous She was writing a letter. A letter was being written by her.
Present Perfect She has written a letter. A letter has been written by her.
Future Simple She will write a letter. A letter will be written by her.
When to Use Each
Use Active Voice When:
The subject is important and needs emphasis.
The writing is more direct and personal.
Example: The manager announced the new rules.
Introduction
Understanding the difference between the active and passive voice is crucial for writing with purpose
and emphasis. The active voice focuses on the subject performing the action, while the passive voice
focuses on the action itself or the object receiving it.
Form and Structure
Active Voice
Structure: Subject + Verb + Object
Example: The Mother (subject) teaches (verb) the kids (object).
Focus: The subject performs the action.
Passive Voice
Structure: Object + Form of “to be” + Past Participle + (by + Subject)
Example: the kids (object) are taught (verb) by the Mother (subject).
Focus: The action or the receiver of the action.
Clear example in different Tenses
Tense Active Voice Example Passive Voice Example
Simple Present She writes a letter. A letter is written by her.
Present Continuous She is writing a letter. A letter is being written by her.
Simple Past She wrote a letter. A letter was written by her.
Past Continuous She was writing a letter. A letter was being written by her.
Present Perfect She has written a letter. A letter has been written by her.
Future Simple She will write a letter. A letter will be written by her.
When to Use Each
Use Active Voice When:
The subject is important and needs emphasis.
The writing is more direct and personal.
Example: The manager announced the new rules.
