Active and Passive Voice

Learning the difference between active and passive voice can be tricky. Both types of
sentences use action verbs. The difference is how the action relates to the subject.

In ACTIVE VOICE, the subject performs the action.

Example: Oliver grew giant carrots in his garden.

In PASSIVE VOICE, the subject receives the action.

Example: The giant carrots in the garden were grown by Oliver.

Directions: Decide whether the following sentences are written in the active or passive voice.
Then write the doer of the action on the line to the left. If the doer is unknown, write a
question mark (?).

Practice (TOGETHER)

1. _________ The pirate hoisted the sails. Active/Passive

2. _________ The plane was flown by the pilot. Active/Passive

3. _________ The bat gulped the moth. Active/Passive

Practice (PAIRS)

4. _________ The pilot flew the plane. Active/Passive

5. _________ The sails were hoisted by the pirate. Active/Passive

6. _________ The moth was eaten by the bat. Active/Passive

Practice (YOU)

7. _________ A huge bug landed in the soup. Active/Passive

8. _________ The chef cooked a huge pot of spaghetti. Active/Passive

9. _________ The poodle ate the dog food. Active/Passive

10. _________ The squirrel was chased by the poodle. Active/Passive