What is Voice in English Grammar?
Voice in grammar shows whether the subject of a sentence performs the action (Active Voice) or receives the action (Passive Voice).
In simple terms:
Active Voice: The subject does the action.
Passive Voice: The action is done to the subject.
1. Active Voice (When the Subject Acts)
In Active Voice, the subject is the doer of the action.
Structure:
Subject + Verb + Object
Examples:
She writes a letter.
The teacher explains the lesson.
They play football every evening.
In these sentences, the subject (She, The teacher, They) is actively doing the work.
Why Use Active Voice?
It is direct and clear.
It sounds more natural and powerful.
It makes writing more engaging and lively.
2. Passive Voice (When the Subject is Acted Upon)
In Passive Voice, the subject receives the action instead of doing it.
Structure:
Object + helping verb (be form) + past participle (V3) + by + Subject (optional)
Examples:
A letter is written by her.
The lesson is explained by the teacher.
Football is played by them every evening.
In these examples, the focus is on the object of the action.
Why Use Passive Voice?
When the doer is unknown, unimportant, or obvious.
To focus on the result or action rather than the doer.
To sound more formal or objective.
Examples:
The documents were signed. (Doer unknown)
English is spoken worldwide. (General truth)
How to Change Active Voice to Passive Voice?
Step-by-Step:
Identify Subject, Verb, and Object
Example: He (S) writes (V) a story (O).Move the object to the subject’s place
→ A story…Use the correct ‘be’ verb according to the tense
→ A story is…Use the past participle (V3) of the main verb
→ A story is written…Add ‘by’ + original subject (if needed)
→ A story is written by him.
Passive Voice in Different Tenses (Basics)
| Tense | Active Voice | Passive Voice |
|---|---|---|
| Present Simple | She writes a letter. | A letter is written by her. |
| Past Simple | He ate an apple. | An apple was eaten by him. |
| Future Simple | They will complete the work. | The work will be completed by them. |
| Present Continuous | He is watching TV. | TV is being watched by him. |
| Past Continuous | She was reading a book. | A book was being read by her. |
| Present Perfect | I have finished the task. | The task has been finished by me. |
Important Tips:
Only transitive verbs (verbs with objects) can be used in passive voice.
Correct: He writes a letter → A letter is written.
Incorrect: He sleeps. (No object, cannot be made passive)Passive voice is often used in formal writing, reports, and instructions.
Example: “The form must be filled out carefully.”Use passive when the doer is not important or unknown.
Example: “The room was cleaned.” (We don’t know who did it)
Understanding Active and Passive Voice is essential for improving both spoken and written English. While active voice is clearer and more natural, passive voice is useful when we want to focus on the action or when the subject is unknown. With regular practice and awareness of sentence structure and verb forms, you can easily master this topic and use both voices effectively.