Active and Passive Voice: Definition, Rules and Examples
Active and Passive Voice: Definition, Rules and Examples
Introduction
Active and Passive Voice is an important topic in English Grammar. It helps students understand whether the subject performs the action or receives the action. Learning Active and Passive Voice improves English speaking and writing skills.
What is Active Voice?
When the subject performs the action, the sentence is in Active Voice.
Examples:
Ram writes a letter.
She sings a song.
They play cricket.
What is Passive Voice?
When the subject receives the action, the sentence is in Passive Voice.
Examples:
A letter is written by Ram.
A song is sung by her.
Cricket is played by them.
Formula of Active and Passive Voice
Active Voice
Subject + Verb + Object
Example
Ram writes a letter.
Passive Voice
Object + Helping Verb + V3 + by + Subject
Example
A letter is written by Ram.
Present Indefinite Tense
Active Voice
She writes a letter.
Passive Voice
A letter is written by her.
Present Continuous Tense
Active Voice
She is writing a letter.
Passive Voice
A letter is being written by her.
Present Perfect Tense
Active Voice
She has written a letter.
Passive Voice
A letter has been written by her.
Past Indefinite Tense
Active Voice
She wrote a letter.
Passive Voice
A letter was written by her.
Past Continuous Tense
Active Voice
She was writing a letter.
Passive Voice
A letter was being written by her.
Past Perfect Tense
Active Voice
She had written a letter.
Passive Voice
A letter had been written by her.
Future Indefinite Tense
Active Voice
She will write a letter.
Passive Voice
A letter will be written by her.
Future Perfect Tense
Active Voice
She will have written a letter.
Passive Voice
A letter will have been written by her.
Rules of Active and Passive Voice
The object of Active Voice becomes the subject of Passive Voice.
The subject of Active Voice becomes the object of Passive Voice.
The main verb changes into its third form (V3).
Suitable helping verbs are used according to the tense.
Examples
| Active voice | passive voice |
|---|---|
| Ram eats mangoes. | Mangoes are eaten by Ram. |
| She cleans the room. | The room is cleaned by her. |
| They play football. | Football is played by them. |
| He wrote a book. | A book was written by him. |
Conclusion
Active and Passive Voice are important parts of English Grammar. By learning the rules and practicing examples, students can improve their grammar, writing, and communication skills.