For sentences in the active voice, the subject performs the action; for those in the passive voice, the subject receives the action. Most grammarians recommend using the active voice whenever possible. Here are some examples to help you distinguish between the voices:
Basic English Grammar rules can be tricky. In this article, we’ll get you started with the basics of sentence structure, punctuation, parts of speech, and more.
Active and Passive Voice Exercises for Class 6 With Answers CBSE Pdf
Voice refers to the form of verb that indicates whether the doer of the action in a sentence is the subject or the object.
Change of voice involves three major changes:
- It changes the functions of the subject and the object.
- It changes the position of the subject and the object.
- It changes the form of the verb.
A verb is in active voice when the subject of the verb is the doer of the action. In the active sentence the focus is on the doer of the action. Therefore it is in active voice.
A verb is in passive voice when the subject of the verb and the doer of the action are different. In the passive sentence the focus is on the receiver of the action. Therefore it is in passive voice.
Remember:
- The meaning of the sentence remains unchanged.
- The tense of the verb remains unchanged.
- The passive voice is used when the agent or doer is unknown or obvious.
- Passive voice is used in journalistic, scientific or legal writing.
- Given below are the active and passive equivalents followed by some examples of active and passive sentences.
| Active Voice | Examples |
| 1. The active voice is more direct than the passive. | The girl reads a book. |
| 2. Sentences in active voice are generally clearer and more direct than those in passive voice. | Subject (the girl) + an active verb (reads) + an object (book) |
| Passive Voice | Examples |
| 1. The passive voice calls attention to the receiver of the action rather than the performer. | A book was read by the girl. |
| 2. A passive voice points out the receiver of the action when the performer is unknown or unimportant. | The guards were called by them. |
| 3. It avoids calling attention to the performer of the action | The work has been completed by us. |
Changing active voice to passive voice
| Tense | Active Voice | Passive Voice |
| Simple Present Tense | Verb form: first form of the verb Example: The children play football here. |
Verb form: is/am/are + past participle form of the verb Example: Football is played here by the children. |
| Present Continuous Tense | Verb form: is/am/are + -ing form of the verb Example: She is singing a song. | Verb form: is/am/are + being + past participle form of the verb Example: A song is being sung by her. |
| Present Perfect Tense | Verb form: has/have + past participle form of the verb Example: I have finished my work. | Verb form: has/have + been + past participle form of the verb Example: The work has been finished by me. |
Given below are the active and passive equivalents followed by some examples of active and passive sentences.
| Tenses | Active Voice | Passive Voice |
| Simple present | write/writes | am/is/are written |
| Present continuous | am/is/are writing | am/is/are being written |
| Present perfect | has/have written | has/have been written |
A. Look at the following sentences and write whether they are active or passive.
Question 1.
A policeman caught the burglar. ………………………………
Answer:
Active
Question 2.
This report is published in a reputed newspaper. ………………………………
Answer:
Active
Question 3.
Buildings are constructed by engineers. ………………………………
Answer:
Passive
Question 4.
Pari’s father bought a new car. ………………………………
Answer:
Active
Question 5.
A new cycle was bought by Purba’s father. ………………………………
Answer:
Passive
Question 6.
They saw the match yesterday. ………………………………
Answer:
Active
B. Here is a passage on how idlis are made. Use passive voice to fill in the blanks using the simple present tense of the verbs in brackets.
Idlis are made (make) with rice grains and urad dal. First, rice grains and urad dal ……………………………… (soak) in water for at least three hours. Then they ater for at least three hours. Then they ……………………………… (grind) to make batter which ……………………………… (keep) overnight to ferment. Next day, the batter ……………………………… (pour) into the idli trays in small measures. The idlis (steam) for fifteen minutes. Since no oil ……………………………… (require) while cooking, idlis make a healthy snack.
Answer:
Idlis are made (make) with rice grains and urad dal. First, rice grains and urad dal are soaked (soak) in water for at least three hours. Then they are ground (grind) to make batter which is kept (keep) overnight to ferment.
Next day, the batter is poured (pour) into the idli trays in small measures.
The idlis are steamed (steam) for fifteen minutes. Since no oil is required (require) while cooking, idlis make a healthy snack.
C. Change these passive sentences to active sentences.
Question 1.
The roads are being swept by sweepers.
Answer:
The sweepers are sweeping the roads.
Question 2.
The monkeys were being teased by the boys.
Answer:
The boys were teasing the monkeys.
Question 3.
Rinpuii had been examined by Dr Vinod.
Answer:
Dr. Vinod had examined Rohan.
Question 4.
A new university has been opened in Rajasthan.
Answer:
In Rajasthan, a new university opens.
Question 5.
The worm is caught by the early bird.
Answer:
The early bird catches the worm.