Grammar Topic
Active and Passive Voice
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Explanation
In the active voice, the subject performs the action. In the passive voice, the subject receives the action.
Active: The boy eats the apple. Passive: The apple is eaten by the boy.
The passive is formed with 'to be' + past participle. The tense of 'be' changes to match: Present: is/are + pp. Past: was/were + pp. Perfect: has/have been + pp. Future: will be + pp.
Use passive when: the doer is unknown ('My car was stolen'), the action is more important than the doer ('The bridge was built in 1990'), or for formality ('Mistakes were made').
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Examples
Active: The boy eats the apple. She writes a letter.
Passive: The apple is eaten by the boy. A letter is written by her.
Active (Past): He wrote a letter. We cleaned the room.
Passive (Past): A letter was written by him. The room was cleaned by us.
Active (Perfect): She has completed the work.
Passive (Perfect): The work has been completed by her.
Active (Future): They will build a school.
Passive (Future): A school will be built by them.
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Test Your Knowledge
Mini Quiz
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Convert to Passive: 'The chef cooked a delicious dinner.'
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