Active and Passive Voice

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Questions and Answers

Which sentence effectively uses the passive voice to shift focus from the actor to the action?

The chef baked a delicious cake.
The students will submit the reports tomorrow.
She wrote the letter last week.
The car was driven by him to the store. (correct)

In which scenario is the passive voice most appropriate to use?

When maintaining an objective tone and avoiding specifying who did the action. (correct)
When the actor is known and important to the statement.
When the action is less important than who performed it.
When the subject is performing the action.

How does changing a sentence from active to passive voice typically affect meaning?

It completely reverses the meaning of the sentence.
It adds more detail about the subject.
It changes the tense of the verb.
It alters the focus of the sentence, highlighting the receiver of the action. (correct)

Select the sentence that correctly transforms the following active voice sentence into passive voice: 'The artist painted the mural.'

The mural was painted by the artist. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following includes a 'be' verb as part of its structure in the passive voice?

The report was submitted. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sentences shows the most effective use of active voice for clarity and directness?

The manager will give the presentation. (B) Signup and view all the answers

In what situation would passive voice be preferred over active voice?

When the recipient of the action is more important. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which grammatical construction is essential for forming a passive voice sentence?

Use of a 'be' verb and a past participle. (B) Signup and view all the answers

How does the use of passive voice impact the tone of the sentence?

It can create a more objective or formal tone. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Identify the active voice sentence that corresponds to the following passive voice sentence: 'The mistake was corrected by the editor.'

The editor corrected the mistake. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which sentence would be most suitable for expressing that a famous building was constructed a long time ago, without knowing or emphasizing who built it?

The building was built in 1890. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following sentences exemplifies a correct shift from passive to active voice?

Passive: The book was read by her. Active: She read the book. (B) Signup and view all the answers

In formal writing, what is one common reason to use the passive voice?

To emphasize objectivity by de-emphasizing the actor. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which sentence uses passive voice to avoid assigning blame directly?

The vase was broken. (C) Signup and view all the answers

What is the most significant effect of using the active voice in writing?

It makes writing more direct, clear, and engaging. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which change correctly converts the passive form 'mistakes were made' to active voice?

Someone made mistakes. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Choose the situation where using passive voice is most advantageous.

When the actor is unknown but the action is important. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Select the version that correctly changes 'The dog chased the cat' to its equivalent in the passive structure.

The cat was chased by the dog. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Identify the option that best represents why an author might use passive voice in scientific writing.

To emphasize the actions rather than the individuals performing them. (C) Signup and view all the answers

In the sentence, 'The report was submitted,' what role does 'was submitted' play?

It is a verb in passive voice. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which sentence relies most effectively on active voice to convey accountability?

The CEO accepted responsibility for the oversight. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which scenario would justify using passive voice in legal writing?

When the identity of the perpetrator is unknown or irrelevant. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How does active vs. passive voice primarily impact the clarity of a sentence?

Active voice often results in more straightforward, easier-to-understand sentences. (D) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is the core purpose of voice in a verb?

To show whether the subject performs or receives the action. (B) Signup and view all the answers

In writing, what is a situation where the active voice improves sentence energy and directness?

When you want to communicate who or what is doing the action. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which choice best explains how changing from active to passive voice affects a verb?

It typically requires adding a form of 'be' to the verb phrase. (D) Signup and view all the answers

In a sentence using passive voice, what is characteristic of the subject?

The subject is acted upon or receives the action. (D) Signup and view all the answers

When is it best to use the active voice when clarity and impact are desired?

In narrative writing where the characters are the focus. (C) Signup and view all the answers

How does recognizing active and passive voice improve writing?

It enables you to make effective choices depending on context. (B) Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of voice in grammar?

To indicate who or what performs the action. (D) Signup and view all the answers

In the transformation of a sentence from active to passive voice, what changes are expected?

Subject becomes the object. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Choose the sentence that appropriately uses a passive voice in a situation where the actor is implied.

The window was broken. (A) Signup and view all the answers

How can the skillful use of active and passive voice enhance an author's narrative style?

By allowing writers to manipulate sentence structure for various effects. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Why might political communication use passive to report events?

To decrease transparency. (C) Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements applies to active, rather than passive voice?

It often renders sentences more direct and engaging. (B) Signup and view all the answers

Which is a primary signal you are likely dealing with a verb that is in passive voice?

There is use of form of 'be.' (B) Signup and view all the answers

When is it most appropriate to use passive voice?

When the doer of the action is unknown or unimportant. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which sentence demonstrates a transformation from passive to active voice?

"The report was written by the intern" becomes "The intern wrote the report." (C) Signup and view all the answers

In what context is passive voice typically preferred to maintain an objective tone?

Scientific research reports. (D) Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary function of 'be' verbs in passive voice constructions?

To link the subject to the action being performed upon it. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Which sentence would be most suited for a scenario where the emphasis is on the recipient of an action rather than the performer?

The monument was visited by tourists from around the world. (A) Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Voice of the Verb

The voice of a verb expresses whether the subject performs the action or is affected by it.

Active Voice

In the active voice, the subject performs the action.