Passive or Active Verbs? How to tell the difference...

You've probably heard of the terms passive verbs and passive voice, but do you know what they mean? Do you know how they relate to active verbs and the active voice?
You'll be relieved to know that you can understand the difference by asking just one simple question: Is the subject performing the action of the verb or receiving the action of the verb?
In order to understand this concept, you need to understand subjects and action verbs.
  • Subjects tell us whom or what a sentence is about. Mary sang.
Note that this discussion doesn't include linking verbs. Why? They are not action verbs. The topic of active and passive only relates to action verbs.
Action verbs can be written in two different "voices." These voices tell us whether the subject is performing the action (active voice) or receiving the action (passive voice).

Subject performs the action = Active Voice

When the subject of a sentence is performing the action of the verb, the sentence is written in the active voice.
In the following examples, the subjects are underlined and the verbs are in bold. Notice that the subjects are performing the actions. 
My grandma made this scarf.
The class took the test.
The storm demolished many buildings.
All of those sentences have active verbs. We can also say that they are in the active voice.

Subject receives the action = Passive Voice 

When the subject of the sentence is receiving the action of the verb, the sentence is written in the passive voice. 
Look over the sentences below and notice that the subjects are not doing anything. They are not performing the action of the verb. They are the ones receiving the action. 
This scarf was made by my grandma.
The test was taken by the class.
Many buildings were demolished by the storm.
All of those sentences have passive verbs. We can also say that they are written in the passive voice.

Follow the link to watch the video in connection with the topic:


It's time for a quiz! 

Let's see how much you know. The following quiz contains twelve statements. Identify whether each sentence has a passive or active verb. 
Are you ready? Let's get started!
Follow the link above to solve the quiz. Good luck!
https://www.englishgrammar.org/active-passive-voice-exercise-8/

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