Active and Passive Voice

When it comes to writing, the use of active and passive voice can greatly affect the tone your sentences. Understanding the differences between the two is crucial for effective communication, and can improve the readability of your writing.

Active Voice

Active voice is when the subject of the sentence is performing the action. The sentence is structured in the following way: Subject + Verb + Object. For example:

• The dog chased the cat.
• John wrote the essay.
• They finished the project on time.

Active voice is preferred in most cases, as it is direct, clear, and easy to understand. It also puts the emphasis on the action and the person or thing doing the action, making it more engaging for the reader.

Passive Voice

A sentence is said to be in its passive form when the action is performed upon the subject. The sentence is structured in the following way: Object + Verb + Subject. For example:

• The cat was chased by the dog.
• The essay was written by John.
• The project was finished on time by them.

Passive voice can be useful in certain situations, such as when the focus should be on the object or when the subject of the action is unknown or unimportant. However, it can make sentences longer and less clear, and can create a sense of distance or detachment.

Choosing the Right Voice

When writing, it is important to choose the voice that best suits the purpose and tone of your sentence. In general, active voice is the preferred choice, as it is more engaging and direct. However, there may be times when passive voice is more appropriate, such as when the focus should be on the object or when the subject of the action is unknown or not important.

Converting from Active to Passive Voice

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

• Identify the subject of the sentence.
• Identify the verb of the sentence.
• Identify the object of the sentence (if there is one).
• Move the object to the beginning of the sentence, followed by the verb the "to be" form of yhe verb (is, am, are, was, were, etc.).
• Add the past participle of the original verb to the end of the sentence.
• Move the subject to the end of the sentence, preceded by the preposition "by".

For example:

• Active: The dog chased the cat.
• Passive: The cat was chased by the dog.

Converting from Passive to Active Voice

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

• Identify the object of the sentence.
• Identify the verb of the sentence (usually preceded by "to be").
• Identify the subject of the sentence (usually preceded by "by").
• Move the subject to the beginning of the sentence.
• Remove the verb "to be" and its form (is, am, are, was, were, etc.).
• Remove the preposition "by".
• Change the verb to its base form.

For example:

• Passive: The cat was chased by the dog.
• Active: The dog chased the cat.

Conclusion

Converting from active to passive voice and vice versa can be a useful tool for improving the readability and impact of your writing. Keep in mind that active voice is generally preferred, but there may be times when passive voice is more appropriate. By understanding the differences between the two and how to convert between them, you can make informed decisions about how to structure your sentences for the best results.

Active Voice	Passive Voice
The dog chased the cat.	The cat was chased by the dog.
John wrote the essay.	The essay was written by John.
They finished the project on time.	The project was finished on time by them.
She cooked dinner for us.	Dinner was cooked for us by her.
He broke the vase.	The vase was broken by him.
I am going to the store.	The store is going to be visited by me.
They are building a new house.	A new house is being built by them.
We have completed the task.	The task has been completed by us.
She will be singing at the concert.	The concert will be sung at by her.
He has been studying for the exam.	The exam has been studied for by him.

Note: Some sentences in passive voice might sound unnatural, this is just for demonstration purposes.

In summary, active and passive voice are two ways of structuring sentences that can greatly affect the tone and impact of your writing. Understanding the differences between the two is crucial for effective communication, and can help you make the best choice for your writing.