Verb voice indicates the relationship between the subject and the action of the verb in a sentence. There are two main voices: active voice and passive voice.
- Active Voice:
- In active voice sentences, the subject performs the action expressed by the verb.
- Example: “The team completed the project ahead of schedule.”
- Example: “She wrote the report yesterday.”
- Example: “The company launched a new product last month.”
- Example: “He teaches English at the university.”
- Example: “They organized the event successfully.”
- Passive Voice:
- In passive voice sentences, the subject receives the action expressed by the verb.
- Example: “The project was completed ahead of schedule by the team.”
- Example: “The report was written yesterday by her.”
- Example: “A new product was launched last month by the company.”
- Example: “English is taught at the university by him.”
- Example: “The event was organized successfully by them.”
Active Voice Examples:
- She bought a new car yesterday.
- The company launched its new website last week.
- He built a house for his family.
- They developed a new software application.
- The chef prepared a delicious meal for the guests.
- We planted flowers in the garden.
- The teacher explained the lesson to the students.
- The team won the championship trophy.
- He wrote a book about his travels.
- She designed the logo for the company.
Passive Voice Examples:
- A new car was bought by her yesterday.
- The new website was launched by the company last week.
- A house was built for his family by him.
- A new software application was developed by them.
- A delicious meal was prepared for the guests by the chef.
- Flowers were planted in the garden by us.
- The lesson was explained to the students by the teacher.
- The championship trophy was won by the team.
- A book was written about his travels by him.
- The logo for the company was designed by her.
Active Voice vs. Passive Voice
Feature | Active Voice | Passive Voice |
---|---|---|
Description | In active voice, the subject performs the action. | In passive voice, the subject receives the action. |
Structure | Subject + Verb + Object | Object + Verb (to be) + Past Participle + (by + Agent) |
Example | The cat (subject) chased (verb) the mouse (object). | The mouse (subject) was chased (verb) by the cat (agent). |
Example | She (subject) wrote (verb) a novel (object). | A novel (object) was written (verb) by her (agent). |
Example | They (subject) built (verb) a new house (object). | A new house (object) was built (verb) by them (agent). |
Usage | Active voice is direct and straightforward. | Passive voice is used when the doer of the action is unknown, less important, or to shift focus. |
Example | The chef (subject) prepared (verb) the meal (object). | The meal (subject) was prepared (verb) by the chef (agent). |
Example | He (subject) solved (verb) the puzzle (object). | The puzzle (subject) was solved (verb) by him (agent). |
Understanding and appropriately using verb voice is crucial for clear and effective communication in writing and speaking.
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