Voice shows the relationship between the subject and the action in a sentence. It tells us whether the subject performs the action or receives it.
6.1 Active Voice
In Active Voice, the subject is the doer of the action.
Structure
Subject + Verb + Object
Examples
Ram wrote a letter.
She reads a book.
They completed the project.
The teacher explains the lesson.
6.2 Passive Voice
In Passive Voice, the subject is the receiver of the action rather than the doer.
Structure
Object + Form of 'Be' + Past Participle (V³) + (by + Subject)
Examples
A letter was written by Ram.
A book is read by her.
The project was completed by them.
The lesson is explained by the teacher.
6.3 When is Passive Voice Used?
Passive Voice is commonly used in the following situations:
1. When the doer is unknown
Example
The window was broken.
2. When the doer is not important
Example
The work has been completed.
3. When the action is more important than the doer
Example
The examination results were announced.
6.4 Rules for Changing Active Voice into Passive Voice
Rule 1: Make the Object the Subject
Active: She wrote a letter.
Passive: A letter was written by her.
Rule 2: Choose the Correct Form of Be
Use the appropriate helping verb according to the tense.
Examples
is
am
are
was
were
will be
has been
have been
had been
Rule 3: Use the Past Participle (V³)
Examples:
write → written
eat → eaten
do → done
speak → spoken
make → made
Rule 4: Add by + Doer (if necessary)
The doer may be mentioned if it is important. Otherwise, it can be omitted.
Examples
The work was completed.
The work was completed by Ravi.
6.5 Voice in Different Tenses
| Tense | Active Voice | Passive Voice |
|---|---|---|
| Present | She writes a letter. | A letter is written by her. |
| Past | She wrote a letter. | A letter was written by her. |
| Future | She will write a letter. | A letter will be written by her. |
6.6 Common Mistakes
Incorrect
❌ A letter was wrote by her.
Correct
✔ A letter was written by her.
Incorrect
❌ The work is complete by him.
Correct
✔ The work is completed by him.
Quick Revision
Active Voice → The subject performs the action.
Passive Voice → The subject receives the action.
Passive Voice always uses a suitable form of "be" + Past Participle (V³).
Easy Memory Tip
Active Voice focuses on the doer.
Passive Voice focuses on the action or the receiver of the action.
1.PARTS OF SPEECH 2. SENTENCE STRUCTURE 3.TENSES 4.SUBJECT VERB AGREEMENT 5.ARTICLES AND DETERMINERS 6.VOICE-ACTIVE & PASSIVE 7.DIRECT AND INDIRECT SPEECH 8.PUNCTUATION 9.CLAUSES AND PHRASES 10.MODALS