Download the English Active Voice and Passive Voice Solved MCQs Free PDF for PPSC, FPSC, PMS, NTS, KPKPSC, and SPSC exam
Active voice and passive voice are two grammatical constructions that express the same action, but in different ways. In active voice, the subject of the sentence performs the action. In passive voice, the subject of the sentence receives the action.
Here are some examples of active voice:
- The cat caught the mouse.
- The dog chased the ball.
- The boy threw the ball.
In each of these sentences, the subject of the sentence (the cat, the dog, and the boy) performs the action of the verb (caught, chased, and threw).
Here are some examples of passive voice:
- The mouse was caught by the cat.
- The ball was chased by the dog.
- The ball was thrown by the boy.
In each of these sentences, the subject of the sentence (the mouse, the ball, and the ball) receives the action of the verb (caught, chased, and thrown).
Active voice is generally considered to be more direct and forceful than passive voice. It is also more concise, as it does not require the use of the auxiliary verb "to be."
However, passive voice can be useful in certain situations. For example, it can be used to:
- De-emphasize the actor or agent of the action.
- Focus on the action itself.
- Create a more formal or objective tone.
Passive voice is often used in scientific writing and in news reports.
In competitive exams, active and passive voice are often tested. Candidates may be asked to identify the active or passive voice of a sentence, or to convert a sentence from active to passive voice or vice versa.
Here are some tips for using active and passive voice effectively:
- Use active voice when you want to emphasize the actor or agent of the action.
- Use passive voice when you want to focus on the action itself or to de-emphasize the actor or agent of the action.
- Be consistent in your use of active and passive voice.
- Avoid using passive voice too often, as it can make your writing sound weak and indirect.