TEACHER INSTRUCTIONS

1. Hand out the worksheet.

2. Discuss the process for changing active to passive voice.

3. Put a model sentence on the board. I ask a student for a favorite food and use the verb “eat” as
the model:

Jason EATS spaghetti. becomes Spaghetti IS EATEN by Jason.

Jason ATE spaghetti. becomes Spaghetti WAS EATEN by Jason.

Jason HAS EATEN spaghetti. becomes Spaghetti HAS BEEN EATEN by Jason.

Jason WAS EATING spaghetti. becomes Spaghetti WAS BEING EATEN by Jason.

4. Have students complete the sample sentences. Discuss.

5. Discuss the process for changing passive to active voice.

6. Put a model sentence on the board. I like to use the verb “wear” and a plural subject so that
students can see how a verb changes when the subject changes.

Mary WORE red shoes. becomes Red shoes WERE WORN by Mary.

Mary HAD WORN red shoes. becomes Red shoes HAD BEEN WORN by Mary.

Mary IS WEARING red shoes. becomes Red shoes ARE BEING WORN by Mary.

7. Have students complete the sample sentences.

This sheet can serve as a model for any time students need to change the voice of their sentences.
ACTIVE AND PASSIVE VOICE

To change active to passive: D.O. becomes subject

sub. goes into a by- phrase
verb-- add a form of be
use past participle form of verb
maintain tense
keep all parts
agree with subject

Active: Mrs. Hagemeyer teaches FACS.

Passive: FACS is taught by Mrs. Hagemeyer.

Exercises

1. Marvin washed the car.

2. The coach showed the new play to the team.

3. Bernie planted corn on the lawn.

4. Many staff members support the idea of a four-day work week.

5. Fauskee Oil has sent a bill to Brooten Electric.

6. Fingerhut will ship your merchandise on Oct. 20.

* * * * * * * * * * * *
To change passive to active: object of by- phrase becomes subject
subject becomes D.O.
verb-- remove form of be
maintain tense
keep all parts
agree with subject

Passive: The scarecrow has been repaired by Pat and Troy.

Active: Pat and Troy have repaired the scarecrow.

Exercises
1. Gunpowder was invented by the Chinese.

2. Adequate evidence could not be provided by Mr. Brown.

3. Dinner is being prepared by Thomas and Ben.

4. Rooms will be cleaned by the children.

5. A touchdown pass was caught by Bryan Rolfs.

6. All suspects are approached by Officer Reed.

7. Prowlers have been reported by three area residents.