Active and passive voices are used alternatively to ensure effectiveness in narration and to write beautifully. Active voice describes a sentence where the subject performs the action stated by the verb. In passive voice sentences, the subject is acted upon by the verb.

Let us try and understand with the help of some examples.

1. Active: Henry ate four servings of rice at lunch.

Passive: At lunch, four servings of rice were eaten by Henry.

2. Active: Jerry painted the swings.

Passive: The swings were painted by Jerry.

3. Active: Who asked you to sing loudly?

Passive: By whom were you asked to sing loudly?

4. Active: The two partners are signing the agreement.

Passive: The agreement is being signed by the two partners.

5. Active: No one responded to by email.

Passive: My email was not responded to by anyone.

Now that you know about active and passive voices try and transform these sentences on your own.

1. Change to active voice.

The dance was choreographed by Neha.

1. Neha choreographed the dance.
2. The choreography of the dance was done by Neha.
3. The dance was beautifully choreographed by Neha.
4. The sentence is in the required form.

2. Change to passive voice.

The planner is making all the arrangements.

1. The planner is good at making arrangements.
2. All the arrangements are being made by the planner.
3. The sentence is in the required form.
4. Arrangements made by the planner are always a hit among the crowds.

3. Change to active voice.

The programme was attended by celebrities.

1. The sentence is in the required form.
2. Celebrities liked attending the programme.
3. Celebrities attended the programme.
4. The programme was one of celebration.

4. Change to passive voice.

Ravi contributed funds at the charity event.

1. A large chunk of the donations was made by Ravi.
2. Ravi is a philanthropic man.
3. The sentence is in the required form.
4. Funds were contributed by Ravi at the charity event.

5. Change to active voice.

The movie was viewed by the entire class.

1. The viewership of the movie was high.
2. All the viewers enjoyed the movie.
3. The entire class viewed the movie.
4. The sentence is in the required form.

6. Change to passive voice.

My maid washes my clothes twice every week.

1. Twice a week, my clothes are washed by my maid.
2. The sentence is in the required form.
3. My clothes need to be washed twice a week.
4. Washing clothes every week is my maid’s job.

7. Change to active voice.

Her entire life was destroyed by her selfish husband.

1. Her husband was an incredibly selfish human being.
2. Her selfish husband destroyed her entire life.
3. The sentence is in the required form.
4. A good life cannot be lived with a selfish spouse.

8. Change to passive voice.

I will complete the work by Monday.

1. Monday is my deadline.
2. The sentence is in the required form.
3. Completion of the work is my responsibility.
4. The work will be completed by me, by Monday.

9. Change to active voice.

That kind of an effort is appreciated by people.

1. The sentence is in the required form.
2. People appreciate that kind of an effort.
3. Efforts lead to good impressions.
4. People are appreciative of hardworking people.

10. Change to passive voice.

She cooked a delicious meal.

1. A delicious meal was cooked by her.
2. Her meal was tasty.
3. The sentence is in the required form.
4. The meal used good ingredients.

ANSWER KEY

1. a) Neha choreographed the dance.
2. b) All the arrangements are being made by the planner.
3. c) Celebrities attended the programme.
4. d) Funds were contributed by Ravi at the charity event.
5. c) The entire class viewed the movie.
6. a) Twice a week, my clothes are washed by my maid.
7. b) Her selfish husband destroyed her entire life.
8. d) The work will be completed by me, by Monday.
9. b) People appreciate that kind of an effort.
10. a) A delicious meal was cooked by her.