Mastering Active and Passive Voice
Understanding active and passive voice helps us write clearly and effectively. This lesson explains the two
voices, how to use them, and when they are most appropriate.
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Active Voice
In active voice sentences, the subject performs the action expressed by the verb. The subject acts.
Examples:
1. The dog bit the boy.
2. Pooja will finish her work.
3. Students have studied the lesson to answer the questions.
4. The teacher gave the students a party.
In each example, the subject (e.g., dog, Pooja, the teacher) is doing the action.
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Passive Voice
In passive voice sentences, the subject receives the action expressed by the verb. The agent (doer) may
appear in a “by…” phrase or be omitted.
Examples:
1. The boy was bitten by a dog.
2. Her work will be finished by Pooja.
3. The lesson has been studied by the students, to answer the questions.
4. The students were given a party by the teacher.
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Forming Passive Voice
The passive voice uses the following structure:
Subject + form of “to be” + past participle (V3)
Tense Active Voice Passive Voice
Present Simple He writes a letter. A letter is written by him.
Past Simple She made a cake A cake was made by her
Future Simple They will clean the room The room will be cleaned
Present Continuous She is reading a book A book is being read by her
Present Perfect He has finished the work The work has been finished
Converting Active Voice to Passive Voice
To change an active sentence into a passive one:
1. The object of the active sentence becomes the subject of the passive sentence.
2. The verb changes to a form of “to be” + past participle.
3. The subject of the active sentence becomes the agent (optional in passive voice).
Example:
- Active: My sister wrote a letter to me.
- Passive: A letter was written to me by my sister.
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Passive Voice with Two Objects
If a sentence has two objects, you can choose which object to focus on.
Example:
- Active: My sister wrote me a letter.
- Passive:
1. A letter was written to me by my sister.
2. I was written a letter by my sister.
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Exercises
Exercise 1: Convert to Passive Voice
Rewrite the following active voice sentences into passive voice.
1. The teacher explained the lesson.
2. They are building a new school.
3. She has written a beautiful poem.
4. Her mother will prepare a tasty drink.
5. The manager gave the staff a holiday.
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Exercise 2: Identify the Voice
Underline the verbs and identify whether the sentences are in active or passive voice.
1. The house was built by a famous architect.
2. They delivered the package this morning.
3. The flowers are being watered by the gardener.
4. She will complete the assignment tomorrow.
5. The cake has been baked perfectly.
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Exercise 3: Fill in the Blanks
Choose the correct form of the verb to complete the sentences in passive voice.
1. The books ___________ (deliver) yesterday.
2. A new library ___________ (build) in our town right now.
3. The homework ___________ (submit) by all the students last week.
4. A prize ___________ (give) to the winner tomorrow.
5. The report ___________ (finish) by 6 PM.
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Exercise 4: Convert to Active Voice
Rewrite the following passive sentences into active voice.
1. The song was sung beautifully by her.
2. The car is being repaired by the man.
3. The homework has been completed by the student.
4. The letter will be sent by the manager.
5. The cake was eaten by the children.
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Exercise 5: Multiple Choice
Choose the correct option for each sentence.
1. The room __________ cleaned every day.
a) is b) was c) will
2. The project __________ finished last week.
a) was b) is being c) will be
3. A beautiful painting __________ displayed in the gallery.
a) is being b) was being c) has been
4. The invitations __________ sent out tomorrow.
a) will be b) is c) are being
5. The decision __________ made by the committee yesterday.
a) is b) was c) has been
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Summary Chart
Voice Structure Example
Active voice Subject + verb + object She wrote a letter
Passive voice Object + Form of “to be” + V3 A letter was written by her
Answers
Exercise 1: Convert to Passive Voice
1. The lesson was explained by the teacher.
2. A new school is being built by them.
3. A beautiful poem has been written by her.
4. A special drink will be prepared by her mother.
5. A bonus was given to the staff by the manager.
Exercise 2: Identify the Voice
1. Passive
2. Active
3. Passive
4. Active
5. Passive
Exercise 3: Fill in the Blanks
1. were delivered
2. is being built
3. was submitted
4. will be given
5. will be finished
Exercise 4: Convert to Active Voice
1. She sang the song beautifully.
2. The man is repairing the car.
3. The student has completed the homework.
4. The manager will send the letter.
5. The children ate the cake.
Exercise 5: Multiple Choice
1. a) is
2. a) was
3. c) has been
4. a) will be
5. b) was
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