We use active voice when the subject performs the action. We use the passive voice when we don’t want to say who performs the action.
Test your understanding of active and passive verb forms with this interactive grammar exercise.
1. His command .................................
We use the passive voice when we want to talk about an action, but are not interested in saying who/what does/did it.
2. That portrait ................................. by my grandmother.
Passive voice is used when the subject is not the doer of the action.
3. They .................................... to the party.
We use the passive voice, when the subject is not the doer of the action.
4. You ............................... when the time comes.
5. Everybody ............................ with me.
Active voice is used when the subject is the doer of the action.
6. I was very ................................ in the lesson.
7. The dog ............................... the man.
Use the active voice when the subject performs the action.
8. He ............................ a very remarkable discovery.
The active voice is used when the subject performs the action mentioned in the sentence.
9. The accused ........................... to a tree.
The accused did not perform the action. Something was done to him so we need a passive voice here.
10. She ................................ the first prize in the competition.
Since there is no time reference, both simple past and present perfect tense are possible here.
11. The ocean .................................... dry.
The ocean does not perform any action here so a passive verb is required.
12. I ..................................... to leave the room.
When the verb 'tell' is used in the active voice, it is followed by an object. Since there is no object in this sentence, it is evident that the structure is passive.
Answers
1. His command was promptly obeyed.
2. That portrait was painted by my grandmother.
3. They have been invited to the party.
4. You will be told when the time comes.
5. Everybody agrees with me.
6. I was very interested in the lesson.
7. The dog bit the man.
8. He made a very remarkable discovery.
9. The accused was bound to a tree.
10. She won / has won the first prize in the competition.
11. The ocean cannot be pumped dry.
12. I was told to leave the room.
