Active and Passive Voices Study Notes

Active and Passive Voices

Definitions

  • Active Voice: A sentence is considered to be in the active voice when the subject performs the action of the verb.
      - Example: Neil Armstrong landed the Apollo lunar module on the moon in 1969.

  • Passive Voice: A sentence is considered to be in the passive voice when the subject receives the action of the verb.
      - The structure of a verb in passive voice consists of:
        - A form of 'be' (e.g., was, is, are, were)
        - The past participle of the verb
        - Often a phrase beginning with 'by' that identifies the performer of the action
      - Example: The Apollo lunar module was landed on the moon in 1969 by Neil Armstrong.
        - Here, 'was' is the form of 'be', 'landed' is the past participle, and 'by Neil Armstrong' identifies who performed the action.

Purpose and Usage

  • The active voice is generally regarded as stronger and more direct, emphasizing the performer of the action.
  • The passive voice is used:
      - When the emphasis needs to be placed on the receiver of the action rather than the performer.
        - Example: The moon was reached in 1969. (Focuses on the event rather than the doer)
      - To de-emphasize the performer of the action.
        - Example: The spacecraft was landed. (The identity of who landed it is not stated)
      - In situations where the identity of the performer is unknown.
        - Example: "The spacecraft was landed" does not provide information about who performed it.

Exercises

Exercise 1: Write in the blank whether the sentence is in the active or passive voice. Draw a line under the receiver of the action.

  1. A solar eclipse was predicted by Thales of Miletus in 585 B.C.
       - Voice: Passive
       - Receiver of action: (eclipse)

  2. Hipparchus established an observatory in the third century B.C.
       - Voice: Active
       - Receiver of action: (observatory)

  3. A supernova, or exploding star, was recorded by Chinese astronomers in 1054.
       - Voice: Passive
       - Receiver of action: (supernova)

  4. According to the Greek astronomer Ptolemy, the sun and the planets circled Earth once a day.
       - Voice: Active
       - Receiver of action: (Earth)

  5. In 1543, a new theory was suggested by a Polish astronomer, Copernicus.
       - Voice: Passive
       - Receiver of action: (theory)

  6. In this theory, Earth and other planets orbited the sun.
       - Voice: Active
       - Receiver of action: (sun)

  7. The use of Copernicus's theory was forbidden by religious leaders until 1757.
       - Voice: Passive
       - Receiver of action: (use)

Additional Notes

  • Active voice tends to provide more clarity and direct responsibility for actions, making it preferable in most forms of writing, especially in narratives and academic texts.
  • Understanding the distinction between active and passive voice is essential for effective communication, ensuring the intended subject and action are correctly presented.