Using the Passive Voice

Writing Consultant Presentation

EG 1003: Intro to Engineering and Design
NYU’s Polytechnic School of Engineering
 Using the Passive Voice

 Definitions

 Changing to the passive voice

 Practice examples
 Active voice vs. passive voice

Active voice takes the form “A does B”

We chose plastic film to cover the microphone.

Passive voice takes the form “B is done (by A)”

Plastic film was chosen (by us) to cover the
microphone.
 Active voice subjects perform an act

Active voice
We ... chose ... plastic film to cover the microphone.
Subject Verb Object
Passive voice subjects are acted on

Active voice
We ... chose ... plastic film to cover the microphone.
Subject Verb Object

Passive voice
Plastic film … was chosen … to cover the microphone.
Subject Verb Object
Passive voice differs from 3rd person

Third person, but active voice

The team ... chose ... plastic film to cover the microphone.
Subject Verb Object

Passive voice
Plastic film … was chosen … to cover the microphone.
Subject Verb Object
 Using the Passive Voice

 Definitions

 Changing to the passive voice

 Practice examples
Combine “to be” + past participle

 “To be” is very irregular:

Present tense Past tense
1st person I am We are I was We were
2nd person You are You are You were You were
3rd person He, she, it is They are He, she, it was They were

 Past participles usually add “-ed” or “-t”:

presented, measured, built, burnt
 Irregular past participles must be memorized
 Omit the “agent” of the action

Active
Workers installed burglar alarms.

Passive, with agent

Burglar alarms were installed by the workers.

Passive, with the agent omitted

Burglar alarms were installed.
Remember tense and number

Active Voice Passive voice

I finish a project in A project is finished in
eight hours. eight hours.
I finish three projects Three projects are finished
in eight hours in eight hours
I finished a project in A project was finished in
eight hours. eight hours.
I finished three Three projects were
projects in eight hours. finished in eight hours.
Remember tense and number

Active Voice Passive voice

I finish a project in A project is finished in
eight hours. eight hours.
I finish three projects Three projects are finished
in eight hours in eight hours
I finished a project in A project was finished in
eight hours. eight hours.
I finished three Three projects were
projects in eight hours. finished in eight hours.
Remember tense and number

Active Voice Passive voice

I finish a project in A project is finished in
eight hours. eight hours.
I finish three projects Three projects are finished
in eight hours in eight hours
I finished a project in A project was finished in
eight hours. eight hours.
I finished three Three projects were
projects in eight hours. finished in eight hours.
Remember tense and number

Active Voice Passive voice

I finish a project in A project is finished in
eight hours. eight hours.
I finish three projects Three projects are finished
in eight hours in eight hours
I finished a project in A project was finished in
eight hours. eight hours.
I finished three Three projects were
projects in eight hours. finished in eight hours.
Remember tense and number

Active Voice Passive voice

I finish a project in A project is finished in
eight hours. eight hours.
I finish three projects Three projects are finished
in eight hours in eight hours
I finished a project in A project was finished in
eight hours. eight hours.
I finished three Three projects were
projects in eight hours. finished in eight hours.
Remember tense and number

Active Voice Passive voice

I finish a project in A project is finished in
eight hours. eight hours.
I finish three projects Three projects are finished
in eight hours in eight hours
I finished a project in A project was finished in
eight hours. eight hours.
I finished three Three projects were
projects in eight hours. finished in eight hours.
Remember tense and number

Active Voice Passive voice

I finish a project in A project is finished in
eight hours. eight hours.
I finish three projects Three projects are finished
in eight hours in eight hours
I finished a project in A project was finished in
eight hours. eight hours.
I finished three Three projects were
projects in eight hours. finished in eight hours.
Remember tense and number

Active Voice Passive voice

I finish a project in A project is finished in
eight hours. eight hours.
I finish three projects Three projects are finished
in eight hours in eight hours
I finished a project in A project was finished in
eight hours. eight hours.
I finished three Three projects were
projects in eight hours. finished in eight hours.
 Using the Passive Voice

 Definitions

 Changing to the passive voice

 Practice examples
 Change to the passive voice

The team used the following materials: a model rocket

requiring some assembly, a tube of “Super Glue®,” a
cartridge of matter, and a tank of antimatter.
The following materials were used: a model rocket
requiring some assembly, a tube of “Super Glue®,” a
cartridge of matter, and a tank of antimatter.
The EG 1003 course also supplied the launch stand, the
barrier, and two atomic clocks.
In addition, equipment was supplied by the EG 1003
course: the launch stand, the barrier, and two atomic
clocks.
 Change to the passive voice

The team used the following materials: a model rocket

requiring some assembly, a tube of “Super Glue®,” a
cartridge of matter, and a tank of antimatter.
The following materials were used: a model rocket
requiring some assembly, a tube of “Super Glue®,” a
cartridge of matter, and a tank of antimatter.
The EG 1003 course also supplied the launch stand, the
barrier, and two atomic clocks.
In addition, equipment was supplied by the EG 1003
course: the launch stand, the barrier, and two atomic
clocks.
 Change to the passive voice

The team used the following materials: a model rocket

requiring some assembly, a tube of “Super Glue®,” a
cartridge of matter, and a tank of antimatter.
The following materials were used: a model rocket
requiring some assembly, a tube of “Super Glue®,” a
cartridge of matter, and a tank of antimatter.
The EG 1003 course also supplied the launch stand, the
barrier, and two atomic clocks.
In addition, equipment was supplied by the EG 1003
course: the launch stand, the barrier, and two atomic
clocks.
 Change to the passive voice

The team used the following materials: a model rocket

requiring some assembly, a tube of “Super Glue®,” a
cartridge of matter, and a tank of antimatter.
The following materials were used: a model rocket
requiring some assembly, a tube of “Super Glue®,” a
cartridge of matter, and a tank of antimatter.
The EG 1003 course also supplied the launch stand, the
barrier, and two atomic clocks.
The launch stand, the barrier, and two atomic clocks were
supplied by the EG 1003 course.
 Change to the passive voice

First, we obtained the rocket kit from a TA.

First, the rocket kit was obtained from a TA.
I inspected the kit to ensure that all parts were present.
The kit was inspected to ensure that all parts were present.
Miguel attached the four control surfaces (fins) to the
fuselage of the model using Super Glue®.
The four control surfaces (fins) were attached to the fuselage
of the model using Super Glue®.
 Change to the passive voice

First, we obtained the rocket kit from a TA.

First, the rocket kit was obtained from a TA.
I inspected the kit to ensure that all parts were present.
The kit was inspected to ensure that all parts were present.
Miguel attached the four control surfaces (fins) to the
fuselage of the model using Super Glue®.
The four control surfaces (fins) were attached to the fuselage
of the model using Super Glue®.
 Change to the passive voice

First, we obtained the rocket kit from a TA.

First, the rocket kit was obtained from a TA.
I inspected the kit to ensure that all parts were present.
The kit was inspected to ensure that all parts were present.
Miguel attached the four control surfaces (fins) to the
fuselage of the model using Super Glue®.
The four control surfaces (fins) were attached to the fuselage
of the model using Super Glue®.
 Change to the passive voice

First, we obtained the rocket kit from a TA.

First, the rocket kit was obtained from a TA.
I inspected the kit to ensure that all parts were present.
The kit was inspected to ensure that all parts were present.
Miguel attached the four control surfaces (fins) to the
fuselage of the model using Super Glue®.
The four control surfaces (fins) were attached to the fuselage
of the model using Super Glue®.
 Change to the passive voice

First, we obtained the rocket kit from a TA.

First, the rocket kit was obtained from a TA.
I inspected the kit to ensure that all parts were present.
The kit was inspected to ensure that all parts were present.
Miguel attached the four control surfaces (fins) to the
fuselage of the model using Super Glue®.
The four control surfaces (fins) were attached to the fuselage
of the model using Super Glue®.
 Change to the passive voice

First, we obtained the rocket kit from a TA.

First, the rocket kit was obtained from a TA.
I inspected the kit to ensure that all parts were present.
The kit was inspected to ensure that all parts were present.
Miguel attached the four control surfaces (fins) to the
fuselage of the model using Super Glue®.
The four control surfaces (fins) were attached to the fuselage
of the model using Super Glue®.
 Change to the passive voice

We pressed the red power switch, activating the model.

The red power switch was pressed, activating the model.
The team noted the time to verify that there would be enough
battery power when the rocket was launched.
The time was noted to verify that there would be enough
battery power when the rocket was launched.
Francisca pushed the yellow button, starting the Level 1
Diagnostic for the positronic control system.
The yellow button was pressed, starting the Level 1 Diagnostic
for the positronic control system.
 Change to the passive voice

We pressed the red power switch, activating the model.

The red power switch was pressed, activating the model.
The team noted the time to verify that there would be enough
battery power when the rocket was launched.
The time was noted to verify that there would be enough
battery power when the rocket was launched.
Francisca pushed the yellow button, starting the Level 1
Diagnostic for the positronic control system.
The yellow button was pressed, starting the Level 1 Diagnostic
for the positronic control system.
 Change to the passive voice

We pressed the red power switch, activating the model.

The red power switch was pressed, activating the model.
The team noted the time to verify that there would be enough
battery power when the rocket was launched.
The time was noted to verify that there would be enough
battery power when the rocket was launched.
Francisca pushed the yellow button, starting the Level 1
Diagnostic for the positronic control system.
The yellow button was pressed, starting the Level 1 Diagnostic
for the positronic control system.
 Change to the passive voice

We pressed the red power switch, activating the model.

The red power switch was pressed, activating the model.
The team noted the time to verify that there would be enough
battery power when the rocket was launched.
The time was noted to verify that there would be enough
battery power when the rocket was launched.
Francisca pushed the yellow button, starting the Level 1
Diagnostic for the positronic control system.
The yellow button was pressed, starting the Level 1 Diagnostic
for the positronic control system.
 Change to the passive voice

We pressed the red power switch, activating the model.

The red power switch was pressed, activating the model.
The team noted the time to verify that there would be enough
battery power when the rocket was launched.
The time was noted to verify that there would be enough
battery power when the rocket was launched.
Francisca pushed the yellow button, starting the
Level 1 Diagnostic for the positronic control system.
The yellow button was pressed, starting the Level 1 Diagnostic
for the positronic control system.
 Change to the passive voice

We pressed the red power switch, activating the model.

The red power switch was pressed, activating the model.
The team noted the time to verify that there would be enough
battery power when the rocket was launched.
The time was noted to verify that there would be enough
battery power when the rocket was launched.
Francisca pushed the yellow button, starting the
Level 1 Diagnostic for the positronic control system.
The yellow button was pressed, starting the
Level 1 Diagnostic for the positronic control system.
 Change to the passive voice

The team took the model out to MetroTech commons.

The model was taken out to MetroTech commons.
I obtained a matter cartridge from the TA.
A matter cartridge was obtained from the TA.
We snapped this cartridge into the model.
This cartridge was snapped into the model.
We mounted the model on the launch stand.
The model was mounted on the launch stand.
 Change to the passive voice

The team took the model out to MetroTech commons.

The model was taken out to MetroTech commons.
I obtained a matter cartridge from the TA.
A matter cartridge was obtained from the TA.
We snapped this cartridge into the model.
This cartridge was snapped into the model.
We mounted the model on the launch stand.
The model was mounted on the launch stand.
 Change to the passive voice

The team took the model out to MetroTech commons.

The model was taken out to MetroTech commons.
I obtained a matter cartridge from the TA.
A matter cartridge was obtained from the TA.
We snapped this cartridge into the model.
This cartridge was snapped into the model.
We mounted the model on the launch stand.
The model was mounted on the launch stand.
 Change to the passive voice

The team took the model out to MetroTech commons.

The model was taken out to MetroTech commons.
I obtained a matter cartridge from the TA.
A matter cartridge was obtained from the TA.
We snapped this cartridge into the model.
This cartridge was snapped into the model.
We mounted the model on the launch stand.
The model was mounted on the launch stand.
 Change to the passive voice

The team took the model out to MetroTech commons.

The model was taken out to MetroTech commons.
I obtained a matter cartridge from the TA.
A matter cartridge was obtained from the TA.
We snapped this cartridge into the model.
This cartridge was snapped into the model.
We mounted the model on the launch stand.
The model was mounted on the launch stand.
 Change to the passive voice

The team took the model out to MetroTech commons.

The model was taken out to MetroTech commons.
I obtained a matter cartridge from the TA.
A matter cartridge was obtained from the TA.
We snapped this cartridge into the model.
This cartridge was snapped into the model.
We mounted the model on the launch stand.
The model was mounted on the launch stand.
 Change to the passive voice

The team took the model out to MetroTech commons.

The model was taken out to MetroTech commons.
I obtained a matter cartridge from the TA.
A matter cartridge was obtained from the TA.
We snapped this cartridge into the model.
This cartridge was snapped into the model.
We mounted the model on the launch stand.
The model was mounted on the launch stand.
 Change to the passive voice

The team took the model out to MetroTech commons.

The model was taken out to MetroTech commons.
I obtained a matter cartridge from the TA.
A matter cartridge was obtained from the TA.
We snapped this cartridge into the model.
This cartridge was snapped into the model.
We mounted the model on the launch stand.
The model was mounted on the launch stand.
 Change to the passive voice

We then used the Antimatter Containment Vessel to pour

antimatter into the tank in the model.
The Antimatter Containment Vessel was then used to pour
antimatter into the tank in the model.
Albert put the stopper into the hole in the tank.
The stopper was put into the hole in the tank.
When everything was in place, we launched the rocket.
When everything was in place, the rocket was launched.
 Change to the passive voice

We then used the Antimatter Containment Vessel to pour

antimatter into the tank in the model.
The Antimatter Containment Vessel was then used to pour
antimatter into the tank in the model.
Albert put the stopper into the hole in the tank.
The stopper was put into the hole in the tank.
When everything was in place, we launched the rocket.
When everything was in place, the rocket was launched.
 Change to the passive voice

We then used the Antimatter Containment Vessel to pour

antimatter into the tank in the model.
The Antimatter Containment Vessel was then used to pour
antimatter into the tank in the model.
Albert put the stopper into the hole in the tank.
The stopper was put into the hole in the tank.
When everything was in place, we launched the rocket.
When everything was in place, the rocket was launched.
 Change to the passive voice

We then used the Antimatter Containment Vessel to pour

antimatter into the tank in the model.
The Antimatter Containment Vessel was then used to pour
antimatter into the tank in the model.
Albert put the stopper into the hole in the tank.
The stopper was put into the hole in the tank.
When everything was in place, we launched the rocket.
When everything was in place, the rocket was launched.
 Change to the passive voice

We then used the Antimatter Containment Vessel to pour

antimatter into the tank in the model.
The Antimatter Containment Vessel was then used to pour
antimatter into the tank in the model.
Albert put the stopper into the hole in the tank.
The stopper was put into the hole in the tank.
When everything was in place, we launched the rocket.
When everything was in place, the rocket was la
unched
 Change to the passive voice

We then used the Antimatter Containment Vessel to pour

antimatter into the tank in the model.
The Antimatter Containment Vessel was then used to pour
antimatter into the tank in the model.
Albert put the stopper into the hole in the tank.
The stopper was put into the hole in the tank.
When everything was in place, we launched the rocket.
When everything was in place, the rocket was launched.
 Change to the passive voice

Lucy noted the time of arrival for the rocket and the strobe
light flash.
The time of arrival was noted for the rocket and the strobe
light flash.
We used the atomic clocks to verify that the rocket had
arrived before the light.
The atomic clocks were used to verify that the rocket had
arrived before the light.
The team also noted the effects of the impact.
The effects of the impact were also noted.
 Change to the passive voice

Lucy noted the time of arrival for the rocket and the strobe
light flash.
The time of arrival was noted for the rocket and the strobe
light flash.
We used the atomic clocks to verify that the rocket had
arrived before the light.
The atomic clocks were used to verify that the rocket had
arrived before the light.
The team also noted the effects of the impact.
The effects of the impact were also noted.
 Change to the passive voice

Lucy noted the time of arrival for the rocket and the strobe
light flash.
The time of arrival was noted for the rocket and the strobe
light flash.
We used the atomic clocks to verify that the rocket had
arrived before the light.
The atomic clocks were used to verify that the rocket had
arrived before the light.
The team also noted the effects of the impact.
The effects of the impact were also noted.
 Change to the passive voice

Lucy noted the time of arrival for the rocket and the strobe
light flash.
The time of arrival was noted for the rocket and the strobe
light flash.
We used the atomic clocks to verify that the rocket had
arrived before the light.
The atomic clocks were used to verify that the
rocket had arrived before the light.
The team also noted the effects of the impact.
The effects of the impact were also noted.
 Change to the passive voice

Lucy noted the time of arrival for the rocket and the strobe
light flash.
The time of arrival was noted for the rocket and the strobe
light flash.
We used the atomic clocks to verify that the rocket had
arrived before the light.
The atomic clocks were used to verify that the
rocket had arrived before the light.
The team also noted the effects of the impact.
The effects of the impact were also noted.
 Change to the passive voice

Lucy noted the time of arrival for the rocket and the strobe
light flash.
The time of arrival was noted for the rocket and the strobe
light flash.
We used the atomic clocks to verify that the rocket had
arrived before the light.
The atomic clocks were used to verify that the
rocket had arrived before the light.
The team also noted the effects of the impact.
The effects of the impact were also noted.
 Using the Passive Voice

 Definitions

 Changing to the passive voice

 Practice examples