Transformation from passive to active

Transformation from Passive to Active Voice

In English grammar, transforming a sentence from passive voice to active voice allows you to make your writing more direct, clear, and engaging. This article will help you understand how to convert passive constructions into active ones using simple rules and examples.

1. What is Passive Voice?

In the passive voice, the subject of the sentence receives the action.

Example: The window was broken by the boy.

Here, the focus is on "the window," which is affected by the action.

2. What is Active Voice?

In active voice, the subject is responsible for carrying out the action in the sentence.

Example: Maria answered the question.

Here, "the boy" is doing the action, making the sentence more direct.

3. General Rules for Changing Passive to Active

• Identify the doer of the action (usually introduced by "by").
• Make the doer the new subject.
• Adjust the verb so that it agrees with the new subject and maintains the correct tense.
• Remove the "be" verb form and past participle construction.

4. Sentence Structure

Passive: Object + form of "be" + past participle + (by + subject)

Active: Subject + verb + object

5. Tense-Based Examples: Converting Passive to Active Voice

• Simple Present:
  Passive: The reports are checked by the manager.
  Active: The manager checks the reports.
• Simple Past:
  Passive: The cake was baked by Lily.
  Active: Lily baked the cake.
• Present Perfect:
  Passive: The homework has been completed by the student.
  Active: The student has completed the homework.
• Future Tense:
  Passive: The assignment will be reviewed by the teacher.
  Active: The teacher will review the assignment.
• Present Continuous:
  Passive: The hall is being decorated by the staff.
  Active: The staff are decorating the hall.

6. Special Case: Imperative Sentences

Passive: Let the lights be turned off.
Active: Turn off the lights.

7. Quick Practice

Rewrite the following passive sentences in the active voice:

1. The invitation was sent by Alex.
   Active: _____________
2. The chairs are arranged by the workers.
   Active: _____________
3. The message will be delivered by the courier.
   Active: _____________

Suggested Answers:

• Alex sent the invitation.
• The workers arrange the chairs.
• The courier will deliver the message.

8. Conclusion

Understanding how to convert passive sentences into active form helps make your writing clearer and more effective. Active voice helps your message come across in a clearer and more straightforward way. With regular practice, you’ll be able to identify and convert passive voice easily in your writing and speech.