Active Voice and Passive Voice

What are active voice and passive voice?

Active and passive voices can change the focus of the sentence. Let’s have a look at the active and passive voice definition using a very simple technique!

Active voice: focuses on the subject

Passive voice: focuses on the object (result)

How to form sentences using the active voice and passive voice?

Active Voice: Subject + verb + object

Passive Voice: Object + verb + by…

Let’s have a look at the following active voice and passive voice examples to learn more about the differences:

Active voice: The cat chased the mouse

                                       subject            verb             object

Passive voice: The mouse (was chased) by the cat.

                                               Object                     verb

Explanation: 

You need to add (was) due to the singular object (mouse).

Example:

Active voice: The teacher explained the topic.

Passive voice: The topic (was) explained by the teacher.

Steps to remember (active and passive voice rules for all tenses):

1)If the verb is in the simple present form, use (is/ are/ am)

Example: The topic (is) explained.

2)If the verb is in the past tense, use (was/ were)

Example: The topic (was) explained.

3)If the verb is in the future tense, use (be)

Example: The topic will (be) explained.

4)If the verb is in the perfect tense for, use (have, has, had + been)

Example: The topic has (been) explained.

4)If it is a model verb, use (be)

Example: The topic must (be) explained.

*For more detailed information about these steps, click here as I explained each of the steps in different posts with examples & detailed explanations.

*You need to use the passive voice when the subject is irrelevant, less important or when you need to focus more on the result.

I hope you find this English grammar lesson useful, let me know if you have any questions related to the use of the differences between the active voice and passive voice or if you have any suggestions for the upcoming topics. Yesterday, I explained other English grammar topics here so feel free to check it Also, if you need a private discussion or lessons, email me

Have a great day & take care!