Topic 2: Active and Passive Voice (Introduction)
In active voice, the subject performs the action, while in passive voice, the subject receives the action, changing the sentence's focus.
Core concept
In active voice, the subject does the action, like 'The cat chased the mouse,' where the cat performs the chasing.
How it works
In passive voice, the subject receives the action, like 'The mouse was chased by the cat,' shifting focus to the mouse.
Why it matters
Passive voice is formed using a form of 'be' plus the past participle of the verb, like 'was chased' or 'is being written.'
Key detail
Active voice is often clearer and more direct, while passive voice is useful when the doer is unknown or less important.
Exam highlight
Key diagram

- An active sentence and its passive version with subject/object swap shown.
Keywords worth remembering
Trending
Most searched
Study resources
Notes & downloads
Quick notes
• Active voice: subject performs action.
• Example: 'The cat chased the mouse.'
• Passive voice: subject receives action.
• Example: 'The mouse was chased by the cat.'
• Passive uses 'be' + past participle.
• Example: 'was chased'.
• Active voice is clearer, more direct.
• Passive voice used when doer is unknown/less important.