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Active vs. Passive Voice: When Each One Works Best

By Homam, May 01 2025, 11:18
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Do you ever wonder when you should use the Active or Passive voice?

Active vs. Passive Voice: When Each One Works Best

What’s the difference?

  • In active voice, the subject does the action of the verb.
  • In passive voice, the subject receives the action of the verb.

Examples:

  • Active: The chef prepared the meal. (subject = chef, action = prepared)
  • Passive: The meal was prepared by the chef. (subject = meal, receiving the action)

How to Form Passive Voice:

Passive voice always uses a form of "be" + past participle of the main verb:

Tense Active Example Passive Example
Present Simple They deliver the mail. The mail is delivered.
Past Simple She wrote the letter. The letter was written.
Present Continuous They are cleaning the room. The room is being cleaned.
Past Continuous He was repairing the car. The car was being repaired.
Present Perfect We have finished the report. The report has been finished.
Future Simple She will send the invitations. The invitations will be sent.
Modal + Verb You must complete the form. The form must be completed.

Remember: The passive voice always adjusts the "be" verb according to the tense, then adds the past participle!

When to Use Active or Passive:

Use Active Voice When

  • You want a strong, clear tone
  • You know and want to show who is acting
  • Writing resumes, blogs, instructions

Use Passive Voice When

  • The action matters more than the doer
  • Writing science reports, formal documents
  • The doer is unknown or unimportant

Practice Task 1: Identify the Voice. Is each sentence Active (A) or Passive (P)?

  1. The room is being painted right now.
  2. They are organizing the event.
  3. A mistake was made.
  4. Scientists have discovered a new species.

Practice Task 2: Rewrite the Sentences. Change passive sentences to active (and vice versa).

  1. The homework was completed by the students. → (Active)
  2. She will announce the winner tomorrow. → (Passive)
  3. The movie is being watched by millions. → (Active)

Quick Tip to Remember

"Be" + past participle = passive voice
If you can add "by someone/something" after the verb, it’s probably passive!

  • Homam's picture
    Homam
    About me
    My name is Homam and I live in Montreal, Canada. I speak English and French. I have been working as an English teacher since 2002. I specialize in business English and exam preparation courses. I am also a certified language examiner so I can give you expert feedback on your writing.
    Experience
    I have taught learners of different ages and levels. In the past 10 years, I have also worked with many international companies and helped their staff improve their speaking and writing skills.

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