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. (This time, "my house" (the subject) is having the action of the verb "was cleaned done to it." Here, "was cleaned" is in the passive voice.) ("My house" (the subject) is performing the verb "was." Here, "was" is in the active voice.) When the action of the verb is being done to the subject, the verb is said to be in the passive voice. When the subject is performing the action, the verb is said to be in the active voice. ("The best way to predict your future" (the subject) is performing the verb "is.") The best way to predict your future is to create it.("A paper cut" (the subject) is performing the verb "is.") A paper cut is a tree's final moment of revenge.Often, the "action" of the verb is just the act of being. ("A wise man" (the subject) is performing the verb "gets.") A wise man gets more use from his enemies than a fool from his friends.The "action" of the verb can be very subtle. ("Human birth-control pills" (the subject) is performing the verb "work.") Human birth-control pills work on gorillas.("Time Magazine" (the subject) is performing the verb "chose.") In 1938, Time Magazine chose Adolf Hitler for man of the year.Remember though, the "actions" of verbs can be mental actions or more subtle actions: In the examples we have seen so far, the actions of the verbs ("to eat," "to kill," "to pester," "to remove") are easy to envisage. Jeremy released the article without permission.Īs you can see from the last two interactive examples above, passive sentences can be useful to avoid blame.Local yobs have defaced the wall already.(The action of "was removed" (the main verb) is being done to "the cork" (the subject).) The cork was removed from my lunch by some weasel.(The action of "will be pestered" (the main verb) is being done to "you" (the subject).) You will be pestered by hammerhead sharks as you approach the reef.(The action of was "killed" (the main verb) is being done to "the cat" (the subject).) In fact, the action of the verb is being done to "the biscuits." Therefore, this is a passive sentence not an active one.) "The biscuits" is the subject of the verb "were eaten," but "the biscuits" is not performing the action of the verb. (Here, "the biscuits" is the subject of the sentence. The actions are being done to the subjects. In these passive versions of the same sentences, the subjects (shaded text) are not performing the actions of the verbs (bold text). ("Some weasel" (the subject) is performing the action of "removed" (the main verb).) Some weasel removed the cork from my lunch.("Hammerhead sharks" (the subject) is performing the action of "will pester" (the main verb).) Hammerhead sharks will pester you as you approach the reef.("Curiosity" (the subject) is performing the action of "killed" (the main verb).) "The dog" is the subject of the verb "ate." "The dog" is performing the action of the verb.) (Here, "the dog" is the subject of the sentence. For example, "Don't miss this opportunity to save 20% on your next purchase this offer is valid only until tomorrow".Note that, in each of these examples of active sentences, the subject (the shaded text) is performing the action of the verb (the bold text). Lastly, when persuading customers to take an action or make a decision, active voice creates urgency and clarity while passive voice emphasizes the value or outcome for customers. For example, "We have added a new feature to our app, which was requested by many of you". When informing customers about a change or update, active voice can emphasize actions and benefits while passive voice acknowledges the impact or feedback from customers. For example, "We apologize that your order was delayed we are working hard to deliver it as soon as possible". For instance, when apologizing for a mistake or problem, using active voice can show accountability and sincerity, while using passive voice can avoid repeating or emphasizing the error. It all comes down to choosing the voice that suits your purpose, tone, and audience. A mix of both can create a balanced and effective customer communication. Using active voice does not mean that you should never use passive voice.
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