the noun, noun phrase or pronoun that does or is the main verb in the active voice

the noun, noun phrase or pronoun that receives the action of the main verb in the active voice

a spoken or written voice in which the subject does the verb in a sentence

a spoken or written voice in which the subject is acted upon by the verb

Using the active and passive voice

English

In this unit, pupils learn the difference between the active voice and the passive voice.

In 'Three tense forms and modal verbs', pupils learnt to use modality whilst maintaining the correct tense. In this unit, pupils will learn the difference between the active voice and the passive voice.

Three tense forms, modality, active voice and passive voice

Identify the subject, verb and object in this active voice sentence: 'The elderly man withdrew some money from the bank.'

make the old object the subject of the new sentence

use an auxiliary verb based on 'to be' and a past tense main verb

What do we need to do to change an active sentence to a passive one?

to emphasise the action instead of who did it

Why might we convert an active sentence to the passive?

The speech has been given by the headteacher. 

The speech was being given by the headteacher. 

The speech is being given by the headteacher. 

Which is the correct passive version of this active sentence? 'The headteacher is giving the speech.'

Which is the correct active version of this passive sentence? 'The gold has been taken by the thieves.'

The register is being taken by Miss O'Neill.

Which of these sentences emphasises best the 'doer' of the action? 

Which word is the subject in this sentence? 'Aisha slammed the door loudly.'

Which word in this sentence is the object? 'The stars lit up the sky at night.'

It includes an auxiliary verb from 'to be' along with a past tense main verb. 

How do we know this sentence is in the passive voice? 'The photo was taken by Sam.'

The lighthouse was being struck by lightning. 

The lighthouse is being struck by lightning. 

Which is the correct passive voice version of this active sentence? 'Lightning struck the lighthouse.'

Starter Quiz