Contested Usage: Active vs. Passive Voice

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Questions and Answers

Sort the sentences based on whether they use active voice or passive voice:

We like to study biology. = Active I bought a new bike. = Active The poem was written by Jo. = Passive Pandas are found in China. = Passive

Which statement best explains why a writer might revise the second sentence to use passive voice rather than active voice?

  • The writer does not know the name of the person who painted the mural.
  • The writer hopes to conceal the name of the artist who painted the mural. (correct)
  • The writer wants to emphasize how the mural is different from other murals.

Which revision to the second sentence of the passage changes active voice to passive voice?

  • I think that some artist painted the mural last year.
  • The mural was painted last year. (correct)
  • Eduardo Vega painted the mural last year.

Sort the sentences based on whether they contain an infinitive:

<p>I hope to hike tomorrow. = Infinitive To worry is natural. = Infinitive Kaya sent an e-mail to me. = No Infinitive I enjoy running and biking. = No Infinitive Jess will go to the park. = No Infinitive</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which sentences contain split infinitives? Check all that apply.

<p>I hope to quickly finish the worksheets so that I can study for the quiz. (B), The dancers must take time to completely warm up before the performance. (E)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which revision makes the sentence stronger and clearer? 'I hope to tomorrow finish my science project.'

<p>I hope to finish my science project tomorrow. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which sentence best emphasizes the idea that one should eat a good breakfast before school every single day?

<p>Mom says that it is best to always eat a good breakfast before school. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Identify the preposition in the sentence: 'The life jackets are stored below the deck.'

<p>below (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which sentence must be revised to eliminate the preposition at the end?

<p>I don't know where Carlos is staying at. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How could a writer best revise the sentence: 'Cassidy does not know for which course she will register.'

<p>Cassidy does not know which course she will register for. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which sentences are written in passive voice? Check all that apply.

<p>In my house, fruit is often served after a meal. (C), The contestants will be judged on style and originality. (D), That book was written by one of my favorite authors. (E)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How should the writer revise the second sentence to use passive voice? 'A movie studio will release this exciting new film tomorrow.'

<p>This exciting new film will be released tomorrow. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Active voice

The subject performs the action.

Passive voice

The subject receives the action.

Infinitives

To + base form of a verb (e.g., to hike)

Split Infinitives

Adverb placed in between 'to' and the verb.

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Prepositions

Links nouns/pronouns to other words in a sentence.

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Formal vs. Informal Language

Sentences are clearer and more impactful with straightforward language.

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Recognizing Passive Voice

Subject receives the action.

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Passive Voice Revision

Focus shifts to the action rather than the doer.

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Rationale for Revisions

Emphasizing certain sentence aspects for clarity and impact.

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Revising for Voice

Choosing passive voice when the doer is unknown.

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Study Notes

Active vs. Passive Voice

  • Active voice emphasizes the subject performing the action, e.g., "We like to study biology."
  • Passive voice highlights the action received by the subject, e.g., "The poem was written by Jo."
  • A sentence can shift from active to passive for various reasons including emphasis on the action rather than the doer.

Revising for Voice

  • Writers may choose passive voice to obscure the doer's identity or when the doer is unknown, e.g., a writer might omit an artist's name to focus on the mural itself.

Infinitives and Their Usage

  • Infinitives are formed with "to" plus the base form of a verb, e.g., "to hike" or "to worry."
  • Examples without infinitives include direct actions, e.g., "Kaya sent an e-mail."

Identifying Split Infinitives

  • Split infinitives occur when an adverb is inserted between "to" and the verb, e.g., "to quickly finish."
  • Sentences with split infinitives include "I hope to quickly finish the worksheets."

Sentence Clarity and Strength

  • Stronger sentences convey ideas more clearly; for example, "I hope to finish my science project tomorrow" is clearer than "I hope to tomorrow finish my science project."
  • Attention to adverb placement improves sentence construction and clarity.

Emphasis and Structure

  • Sentence structure can affect emphasis; placing "always" before "Mom says" strengthens the routine idea in "Mom says that it is best to always eat a good breakfast before school."

Prepositions in Sentences

  • Prepositions link nouns or pronouns to other words in a sentence.
  • Identifying prepositions improves sentence comprehension, e.g., "The life jackets are stored below the deck."

Avoiding Prepositional Endings

  • Some sentences could be improved by eliminating terminal prepositions, e.g., "I don't know where Carlos is staying" is better than "I don't know where Carlos is staying at."

Formal vs. Informal Language

  • Using straightforward language enhances readability; "Cassidy does not know which course she will register for" is less formal than "for which course she will register."

Recognizing Passive Voice

  • Passive voice is used to show that the subject receives the action, e.g., "That book was written by one of my favorite authors."
  • Identifying passive voice helps in understanding the focus of the sentence.

Passive Voice Revision

  • Revisions can shift focus to the action itself, e.g., changing "A movie studio will release this exciting new film tomorrow" to "This exciting new film will be released tomorrow."

Rationale for Revisions

  • Revisions of sentences may be aimed at emphasizing certain aspects, such as the subject receiving the action over the doer, enhancing the overall clarity and impact of the message.

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