Here's a breakdown:
Active Voice:
* Subject performs the action.
* Focus is on the doer.
Example: *The dog chased the ball.*
Passive Voice:
* Subject receives the action.
* Focus is on the action itself or the receiver.
Example: *The ball was chased by the dog.*
How to Identify the Passive Voice:
* Look for a form of the verb "to be" (am, is, are, was, were, been, being).
* The past participle of the main verb (chased, eaten, written, etc.) is used after the "to be" verb.
* Often, a "by" phrase follows the past participle, indicating the doer of the action.
Why Use Passive Voice?
* To emphasize the action or the receiver of the action.
* To de-emphasize the doer of the action.
* To maintain a consistent point of view in writing.
* To create a more formal or objective tone.
Important Note:
While the passive voice has its uses, overuse can make writing sound dull and lifeless. It's generally best to use the active voice whenever possible.