Active voice — English definition
A sentence structure in which the subject performs the action (e.g., 'Maria threw the ball').
Where it is taught
- Active & Passive Voice — Language, Style & Conventions, English 8: Trust, Community & Responsibility, Grade 8
In use
In active voice, the subject of the sentence performs the action of the verb.
Active & Passive Voice
Questions using active voice
Problem 1
Which sentence is written in active voice?
- The chef prepared the meal in twenty minutes.
- The meal was prepared by the chef in twenty minutes.
- The meal was prepared in twenty minutes.
- Twenty minutes were needed for the meal to be prepared.
Answer and explanation
The chef prepared the meal in twenty minutes.
In the first sentence, the subject (the chef) directly performs the action (prepared), which is the definition of active voice.
Problem 2
Rewrite in active voice: 'The mural was painted by local students.' Which is correct?
- Local students painted the mural.
- The mural painted local students.
- Local students were painting by the mural.
- The mural was being painted.
Answer and explanation
Local students painted the mural.
Moving the doer (local students) into the subject position with an active verb (painted) creates the correct active-voice sentence.
Problem 3
Write one sentence in passive voice, then rewrite it in active voice.
Answer and explanation
A strong answer includes a genuine passive sentence (subject + form of 'to be' + past participle, e.g., 'The award was given to Jenna') and its correct active rewrite ('The committee gave Jenna the award').