Active Voice vs Passive Voice Explained with Example Sentences

Understanding the difference between active and passive voice is important for improving your writing and speaking skills. In active voice, the subject performs the action, making sentences direct and clear. On the other hand, in passive voice, the focus is on the action or the object receiving the action, rather than the doer. Knowing when to use each voice can help you express your thoughts effectively. This article will explain Active Voice vs Passive Voice in simple terms and provide examples to help you use them correctly.

Table of Contents

What Is Active Voice?

In active voice, the subject of the sentence performs the action. It is direct, clear, and often more engaging than passive voice. Active voice is widely used in conversational English, writing, and exams.

Structure of Active Voice

Subject + Verb + Object
The sentence follows a straightforward pattern where the subject takes the lead.

Example Sentences in Active Voice

Active Voice Sentence	Explanation
The cat chased the mouse.	The subject (cat) is doing the action.
She writes a book.	The subject (she) performs the action of writing.
We ate dinner early.	The subject (we) is performing the action of eating.

Active Voice Example

What Is Passive Voice?

In passive voice, the focus shifts to the object of the action. The subject receives the action rather than performing it. Passive voice is often used in formal, scientific, or impersonal writing.

Structure of Passive Voice

Object + Form of ‘Be’ + Past Participle + (Optional Agent)
The action’s focus is on the object rather than the subject.

Example Sentences in Passive Voice

Passive Voice Sentence	Explanation
The mouse was chased by the cat.	The object (mouse) becomes the focus.
A book is written by her.	The object (book) is the focus of the action.
Dinner was eaten early.	The action centers on the object (dinner).

What Is Passive Voice?

Key Differences Between Active and Passive Voice

Understanding the differences between active and passive voice can help you use them effectively based on context.

Aspect	Active Voice	Passive Voice
Focus	On the subject performing the action.	On the object receiving the action.
Structure	Subject + Verb + Object	Object + Form of ‘Be’ + Past Participle
Clarity	Direct and concise.	Can be wordy or less direct.
Usage	Conversational and engaging writing.	Formal or scientific writing.

When to Use Active Voice

Active voice is ideal for:

Conversational language: It is direct and easier to understand.
Persuasive writing: It creates an engaging and compelling tone.
Storytelling: Active voice keeps the narrative lively and clear.

Example:

Active: The team won the match.
Passive: The match was won by the team.

When to Use Passive Voice

Passive voice is suitable for:

Formal writing: Especially in reports, research papers, and legal documents.
Unknown agent: When the doer of the action is not known or not important.
Politeness or diplomacy: When you want to soften the tone.

Example:

Passive: The cookies were baked this morning.
Active: Someone baked the cookies this morning.

How to Convert Active Voice into Passive Voice

To change a sentence from active to passive voice:

Move the object of the active sentence to the subject position.
Add the correct form of the verb to be.
Use the past participle of the main verb.
(Optional) Include the doer of the action using by.

Active vs Passive Voice with example sentences

Example Conversion Table of Active Voice vs Passive Voice

Active Voice	Passive Voice
She writes a letter.	A letter is written by her.
He paints the house.	The house is painted by him.
They eat fresh fruits daily.	Fresh fruits are eaten daily.
I cleaned the kitchen today.	The kitchen was cleaned by me.
The cat chased the mouse.	The mouse was chased by the cat.
We watch movies every Friday.	Movies are watched every Friday.
She baked a chocolate cake.	A chocolate cake was baked by her.
He opens the store at 8 AM.	The store is opened at 8 AM.
The dog barked at the thief.	The thief was barked at by the dog.
They repaired the broken car.	The broken car was repaired by them.
I answered all the questions.	All the questions were answered.
The teacher gave us homework.	Homework was given to us.
She enjoys reading novels.	Novels are enjoyed by her.
He drew a beautiful sketch.	A beautiful sketch was drawn by him.
The kids played in the park.	The park was played in by the kids.
We sing songs during festivals.	Songs are sung during festivals.
The doctor examined the patient.	The patient was examined by the doctor.
They washed the dirty clothes.	The dirty clothes were washed.
He fixed the broken chair.	The broken chair was fixed by him.
She found the lost keys.	The lost keys were found by her.