How to Identify the Voice of Verbs

Voice is the form a verb takes to explain whether the subject performs the action or the action is performed upon the subject. An action verb is in the active voice when the subject t of the sentence performs the action. An action verb is in the passive when thew action is performed on the subject.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Words
• Sentences
• Phrases

1. EG. The brown bear caught a salmon. [active voice]
   EG. A salmon was caught by the brown bear. [passive voice] The action verb is in the active voice when the subject of the sentence performs the action. EG. The new student threw a wicked fastball.

2. An action verb is in the passive voice when its action is performed on the subject. EG. A wicked fastball was thrown by the new student. Generally the active voice is stronger, but at times the passive voice is preferable or even necessary. If you don’t want to call attention to the performer of the action or don’t know who the performer is, use the passive voice.

3. EG. Doorbells up and down the street were rung. [You may not want to identify the culprit.] EG. The tires were slit. [You may not know who the culprit is.]

4. Form the passive voice by using a form of the auxiliary verb be with the past participle of the verb. The tense of the passive verb is determined by the tense of the auxiliary verb.EG. The gift id wrapped in pretty paper. [present tense, passive voice] EG. The gift was wrapped in pretty paper. [past tense, passive voice] EG. The gift will be wrapped in pretty paper. [future tense, passive voice]

[starlet67]

on 3/24/2009 Great info on verb tenses and how they affect writing!