How to Identify Active and Passive Voice

What is the difference between active and passive voice?

Identify whether the following sentences are active or passive:

1. Seth accidentally broke the machine's handle.

2. The book was read by the students.

Answer:

1. Active

2. Passive

Active voice occurs when the subject of a sentence performs the action indicated by the verb, while passive voice occurs when the subject of the sentence receives the action.

In the sentence "Seth accidentally broke the machine's handle," Seth (the subject) is performing the action (broke), making it an active sentence.

On the other hand, in the sentence "The book was read by the students," the book (the subject) is receiving the action (read), making it a passive sentence.

One way to identify whether a sentence is in active or passive voice is to add "by zombies" at the end of the sentence. If the sentence still makes sense, then it is in passive voice.

Understanding when to use active or passive voice can help improve the clarity and effectiveness of your writing.