Converting Active Voice Sentences to Passive Voice Sentences

Oct 13, 2025 by magicalceylontours.com 56 views

In English grammar, voice refers to the relationship between the subject and the verb in a sentence. There are two types of voice: active and passive. Active voice is a sentence in which the subject performs the action described by the verb, while passive voice is a sentence in which the subject receives the action described by the verb. In this article, we will explore how to convert active voice sentences into passive voice sentences.

Why Convert Active Voice to Passive Voice?

Converting active voice sentences to passive voice sentences can be useful in certain situations. For example, in academic writing, passive voice is often used to emphasize the action or process rather than the person performing it. Additionally, passive voice can be used to avoid blame or to make the writing more formal. However, it's worth noting that overusing passive voice can make the writing seem less engaging and less clear.

Converting Active Voice Sentences to Passive Voice Sentences

1. He repaired the old bicycle.

Active Voice: He repaired the old bicycle. Passive Voice: The old bicycle was repaired by him.

In the active voice sentence, the subject "he" performs the action of repairing the bicycle. In the passive voice sentence, the subject "the old bicycle" receives the action of being repaired, and the doer of the action "he" is introduced by the preposition "by".

2. She will deliver the parcels tomorrow.

Active Voice: She will deliver the parcels tomorrow. Passive Voice: The parcels will be delivered by her tomorrow.

In the active voice sentence, the subject "she" performs the action of delivering the parcels. In the passive voice sentence, the subject "the parcels" receives the action of being delivered, and the doer of the action "she" is introduced by the preposition "by".

3. The teacher explained the lesson clearly.

Active Voice: The teacher explained the lesson clearly. Passive Voice: The lesson was explained clearly by the teacher.

In the active voice sentence, the subject "the teacher" performs the action of explaining the lesson. In the passive voice sentence, the subject "the lesson" receives the action of being explained, and the doer of the action "the teacher" is introduced by the preposition "by".

4. My mom baked a delicious cake for my birthday.

Active Voice: My mom baked a delicious cake for my birthday. Passive Voice: A delicious cake was baked by my mom for my birthday.

In the active voice sentence, the subject "my mom" performs the action of baking the cake. In the passive voice sentence, the subject "a delicious cake" receives the action of being baked, and the doer of the action "my mom" is introduced by the preposition "by".

5. They will build a new school.

Active Voice: They will build a new school. Passive Voice: A new school will be built by them.

In the active voice sentence, the subject "they" performs the action of building the school. In the passive voice sentence, the subject "a new school" receives the action of being built, and the doer of the action "they" is introduced by the preposition "by".

Tips for Converting Active Voice to Passive Voice

Identify the subject and the verb in the active voice sentence.
Determine the doer of the action (the person or thing that performs the action).
Introduce the doer of the action by the preposition "by".
Change the verb to its passive form (e.g., "repair" becomes "was repaired").
Make sure the sentence still makes sense and is grammatically correct.

Conclusion

In the previous article, we explored how to convert active voice sentences to passive voice sentences. However, there are still many questions that arise when it comes to using passive voice in writing. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about converting active voice to passive voice.

Q: What is the difference between active and passive voice?

A: Active voice is a sentence in which the subject performs the action described by the verb, while passive voice is a sentence in which the subject receives the action described by the verb. For example, "He threw the ball" is an active voice sentence, while "The ball was thrown by him" is a passive voice sentence.

Q: Why should I use passive voice in my writing?

A: There are several reasons why you might want to use passive voice in your writing. For example, in academic writing, passive voice is often used to emphasize the action or process rather than the person performing it. Additionally, passive voice can be used to avoid blame or to make the writing more formal.

Q: How do I know when to use active or passive voice?

A: The choice between active and passive voice depends on the context and the purpose of your writing. If you want to emphasize the person performing the action, use active voice. If you want to emphasize the action or process, use passive voice.

Q: Can I use both active and passive voice in the same sentence?

A: Yes, you can use both active and passive voice in the same sentence. For example, "The teacher explained the lesson clearly, and the students listened attentively." In this sentence, "explained" is in active voice, while "listened" is in passive voice.

Q: How do I convert a sentence from active to passive voice?

A: To convert a sentence from active to passive voice, follow these steps:

Identify the subject and the verb in the active voice sentence.
Determine the doer of the action (the person or thing that performs the action).
Introduce the doer of the action by the preposition "by".
Change the verb to its passive form (e.g., "repair" becomes "was repaired").
Make sure the sentence still makes sense and is grammatically correct.

Q: What are some common mistakes to avoid when using passive voice?

A: Some common mistakes to avoid when using passive voice include:

Using passive voice too frequently, which can make your writing seem less engaging and less clear.
Not introducing the doer of the action by the preposition "by", which can make the sentence seem unclear.
Using passive voice in situations where it's not necessary, such as in informal writing or in situations where the doer of the action is unknown.

Q: Can I use passive voice in all types of writing?

A: While passive voice can be useful in certain situations, it's not suitable for all types of writing. For example, in creative writing, active voice is often preferred because it creates a more engaging and dynamic narrative. In academic writing, passive voice is often used to emphasize the action or process, but it's not always necessary.

Q: How can I practice using passive voice in my writing?

A: To practice using passive voice in your writing, try the following exercises:

Take a sentence from a book or article and convert it from active to passive voice.
Write a paragraph using only passive voice.
Practice converting sentences from active to passive voice in different contexts, such as in academic writing or in creative writing.

By following these tips and practicing using passive voice in your writing, you can become more comfortable with this grammatical construction and use it effectively in your writing.