Jackie released the document into the public domain.The document had been released into the public domain.Passive sentences are quite useful if you're trying not to apportion blame. (Reason 1) Passive sentences are useful to avoid blame. Here are five good reasons to use passive sentences. However, if you prefer your passive version, stick with it. This practice is so common that many grammar checkers (be they computer programs or real people) will suggest an active version of your passive sentence. Consequently, lots of companies instruct their staff to avoid using passive sentences. Here is a video summarizing this lesson on active and passive sentences.Īre you a visual learner? Do you prefer video to text? Here is a list of all our grammar videos.Īctive sentences come in the form 'A affected B.' Passive sentences, however, come in the form 'B was affected by A.' As a result, active sentences are the easier to read, and they are often more succinct and direct. (In this active sentence, 'made' is in the active voice.) (In this passive sentence, 'was made' is in the passive voice.) Likewise, the verb in an active sentence is said to be in the active voice.

The verb in a passive sentence is said to be in the passive voice. Make passive (show the agent) Make active What Does 'Passive Voice' Mean? Make passive (hide the agent) Make active

Carl sounded the alarm when David reported the smoke.

In these examples, the agent (i.e., the person carrying out the action) is in bold. the subject performs the action of the verb. The opposite of a passive sentence is an active sentence.

The olives are stoned and crushed in this room by my son.

Nowadays, black kites are protected by law.

Anita was driven to the theatre by Carla.

In a passive sentence, the person or thing doing the action (the agent) is usually preceded by the word 'by.' For example: With a Passive Sentence, Use 'By' to Show the Agent (The actions are being done to the subject 'the olives.')

The olives are stoned and crushed in this room.

(The action is being done to the subject 'black kites.') (In this example, Anita did not perform the action of the verb 'to drive.' The action was done to her.

Here are some more examples of passive sentences: With a Passive Sentence, Use 'By' to Show the Agent.

Define active voice