Passive |
Active |
| Using a passive voice is good for writing encyclopedia-type
articles, and when you want to appear objective. Here are some examples:
|
Active voice is much better for writing strong persuasive
articles, like editorials in the paper. It also is a better way to write
fiction stories, as it shows more action. Try to use active voice whenever
possible. Here are some examples:
|
| The class was taught by Mrs. Bergey
(The word was makes the sentence passive) |
Active:
Mrs. Bergey taught the class. |
| For fifth graders, a good writing curriculum is needed.
(The word is makes the sentence passive) |
Active:
Fifth graders need a good writing curriculum.
|
| Late work will not be accepted by Mrs.
Solomon or Mrs. Bergey.
(The word be makes the sentence passive) |
Active:
Mrs. Solomon and Mrs. Bergey will not accept late work. |
Did you notice that the passive voice sentences all contained
a form of the helping verb "to be"? Looking for a helping verb phrase with
is,
was, are, or be is as way of looking for passive
sentences.
Try this: Print out this form.
Using your
Desert Trail or Hi Desert Star,
find ten sentences that use passive voice and change them to active voice.
Then find ten sentences using active voice, and change them to passive
voice. (Hint: look for active voice sentences in the Editorial Section.)