Passive voice — English definition
A sentence structure in which the subject receives the action, and the doer may be left unstated (e.g., 'The ball was thrown by Maria').
Where it is taught
- Active & Passive Voice — Language, Style & Conventions, English 8: Trust, Community & Responsibility, Grade 8
In use
In passive voice, the pattern flips: the subject receives the action instead of doing it.
Active & Passive Voice
Questions using passive voice
Problem 1
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').
Problem 2
- the doer of the action is unknown or unimportant
- you always want the most vivid, direct writing possible
- the sentence has no verb at all
- you are writing dialogue exclusively
Answer and explanation
the doer of the action is unknown or unimportant
Passive voice is genuinely useful when the doer is unknown, unimportant, or intentionally de-emphasized.
Problem 3
- The results were announced at the assembly.
- The principal announced the results at the assembly.
- Students cheered when they heard the results.
- The assembly ended early that day.
Answer and explanation
The results were announced at the assembly.
'The results were announced' shows the subject (results) receiving the action, with the doer left unstated — the hallmark of passive voice.
Problem 4
Answer and explanation
Identify the action and grammatical roles. A form of be can describe a state; revise passive only when the focus or missing actor harms the purpose.
Use the criteria to compare your reasoning, not to copy the model’s wording. A supported alternative interpretation may earn full credit.
Response criteria
- Make an accurate, focused claim or revision.
- Use a relevant detail or a clearly explained language choice.
- Explain the relationship and recognize a relevant limit.