Introduction
In English grammar, sentences can be written in two different ways: Active Voice and Passive Voice. Both forms are correct, but the meaning and focus of the sentence change depending on which voice is used. Learning how to use them properly is very important for clear communication.
What is Active Voice?
In Active Voice, the subject performs the action.
👉 Structure: Subject + Verb + Object
✅ Examples:
- The teacher explains the lesson.
- She is reading a book.
- They will play football tomorrow.
Here, the subject (teacher, she, they) is directly doing the action.
What is Passive Voice?
In Passive Voice, the subject receives the action instead of performing it.
👉 Structure: Object + be verb + Past Participle + (by + Subject)
✅ Examples:
- The lesson is explained by the teacher.
- A book is being read by her.
- Football will be played tomorrow.
Here, the focus is on the action or the object, not the subject.
When to Use Active Voice
- To make sentences clear and direct
- For everyday speaking and writing
- When the subject is more important than the object
✅ Example:
- The doctor treated the patient.
When to Use Passive Voice
- To emphasize the object or the result of an action
- When the subject is unknown or not important
- In formal or academic writing
✅ Example:
- The patient was treated by the doctor.
- The thief was arrested.
Conversion Rules (Active → Passive)
- Identify subject, verb, and object.
- Move the object to the subject’s place.
- Use the correct form of be verb (is, was, were, will be, etc.).
- Change the main verb into past participle form.
- Add “by + subject” if needed.
✅ Example:
- Active: She writes a letter.
- Passive: A letter is written by her.
Common Examples
| Active Voice | Passive Voice |
|---|---|
| He kicked the ball. | The ball was kicked by him. |
| They are making a cake. | A cake is being made by them. |
| She will complete the work. | The work will be completed by her. |
| The manager praised John. | John was praised by the manager. |
Quick Tips to Remember
- Active Voice = Clear, Direct, Simple
- Passive Voice = Formal, Object-focused
- In spoken English, active voice is more common.
- In academic or official writing, passive voice is often preferred.
Conclusion
Both Active and Passive Voice are important in English grammar. Use Active Voice for clarity and directness, but switch to Passive Voice when the object or result is more important than the subject. Mastering both will make your English more flexible and professional.