Active and Passive Voice

Introduction:

Welcome back, language experts! Today, we’re going to explore a grammatical tool that can subtly change the focus of our sentences: the passive voice. While the active voice emphasizes the doer of an action, the passive voice shifts the spotlight onto the receiver. We’ll learn when and how to use the passive voice effectively in academic and formal writing, and we’ll tackle its usage in complex sentence structures.

Part 1: Active vs. Passive Voice – A Change of Focus

• Active Voice: The subject performs the action.
  • Example: The scientist conducted the experiment. (Subject = scientist, Action = conducted)
• Passive Voice: The subject receives the action.
  • Example: The experiment was conducted by the scientist. (Subject = experiment, Action = was conducted)

Activity: Voice Transformation

• Transform the following sentences from active to passive voice:

1. The company hired a new manager.
2. The chef prepared a delicious meal.
3. The students completed the assignment.

Part 2: When to Use the Passive Voice (The Right Tool for the Job)

• To emphasize the action or result, not the doer:
  • Example: The vaccine was developed in record time. (Focus on the vaccine, not the developers)
• When the doer is unknown or unimportant:
  • Example: The window was broken. (We don’t know who broke it)
• In scientific and technical writing, to maintain objectivity:
  • Example: The data were collected and analyzed. (Focus on the process, not the researchers)
• In formal writing, to create a more impersonal tone:
  • Example: It is recommended that all employees attend the training.

Activity: Passive Voice in Context

• Identify the passive voice in the following sentences and explain why it’s used:

1. The study was published in a leading scientific journal.
2. The building was designed by a renowned architect.
3. The meeting has been postponed until further notice.

Part 3: Passive Voice in Complex Sentence Structures (The Advanced Level)

• The passive voice can be used in more complex sentence structures, such as:
  • With modal verbs: The issue must be addressed immediately.
  • In relative clauses: The book, which was written by a Nobel laureate, became a bestseller.
  • In infinitive clauses: The report is expected to be released next week.

Activity: Deconstructing Complex Sentences

• Identify the passive voice in the following complex sentences and explain its function:

1. The decision to implement the new policy was made after careful consideration.
2. The bridge, which had been damaged by the storm, was finally repaired.
3. The suspect is believed to have fled the country.

Wrap-up:

• The passive voice is a versatile tool that can be used to shift focus and create a more formal or objective tone.
• Use it strategically in your academic and formal writing to achieve your desired effect.
• Remember, practice makes perfect! The more you use the passive voice, the more comfortable and confident you’ll become.

Homework:

• Find examples of passive voice in academic articles or formal documents.
• Rewrite those sentences in active voice and compare the effect.
• Write a short paragraph on a topic of your choice using both active and passive voice.

Additional Tips for Teachers:

• Provide ample examples of passive voice in different contexts.
• Explain the different forms of the passive voice (e.g., simple past, present perfect, modal verbs).
• Encourage students to analyze the effects of using active or passive voice in different situations.

Let me know if you have any other questions!