Voices

In English grammar, the concept of "voice" refers to

the relationship between the subject and the verb in a
sentence, specifically how the action is performed or
how it affects the subject. There are two primary
voices in English: active voice and passive voice.
Active Voice:

In the active voice, the subject of the sentence performs the

action denoted by the verb.
•Structure: Subject + Verb + Object
•Example:
• Active: The cat chased the mouse.
• Here, "The cat" (subject) performs the action "chased"
(verb) on "the mouse" (object).
Passive Voice
In the passive voice, the subject of the sentence receives the action
denoted by the verb. The focus is on the action rather than the doer of
the action.
•Structure: Object of the active sentence + "be" verb (am, is, are, was,
were, has been, have been, had been, will be, will have been) + Past
Participle of the main verb + by + agent (optional)
•Example:
• Passive: The mouse was chased by the cat.
• Here, "The mouse" (object in the active voice) becomes the subject
in the passive voice. The action "was chased" is performed on "by
the cat."
Key Differences
1.Focus:
1. Active voice emphasizes the doer of the action (subject).
2. Passive voice emphasizes the action itself or the recipient of the action.
2.Structure:
1. Active voice typically follows a Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) structure.
2. Passive voice often follows an Object-Verb-Subject (OVS) or Object-Verb
(OV) structure.
3.Clarity and Brevity:
1. Active voice is generally clearer and more direct.
2. Passive voice can sometimes be perceived as more indirect or formal.
4.Usage:
1. Active voice is commonly used in everyday communication and writing.
2. Passive voice is often used in formal writing, scientific reports, or when the
doer of the action is unknown or less important.