1. Active Voice:
* Subject performs the action.
* The subject comes before the verb.
* Example: The dog chased the ball. (The dog is the subject and it's doing the chasing.)
2. Passive Voice:
* Subject receives the action.
* The verb is usually in the form "to be" + past participle.
* Example: The ball was chased by the dog. (The ball is the subject and it's receiving the action of being chased.)
Key Differences:
* Focus: Active voice emphasizes the subject performing the action, while passive voice emphasizes the action itself or the object receiving the action.
* Clarity: Active voice is generally clearer and more direct than passive voice.
* Style: Active voice is often preferred in writing as it's considered more concise and dynamic. Passive voice is sometimes used for specific purposes like emphasizing the object or obscuring the performer of the action.
Examples:
* Active: The artist painted a beautiful mural.
* Passive: A beautiful mural was painted by the artist.
To determine the voice:
1. Identify the subject and the verb.
2. Ask yourself: Is the subject performing the action or receiving it?
Let me know if you have any other questions!