Identify Which Of The Following Sentences Is Written In The Passive Voice.A. Steve Is Running For Team Captain. B. The Police Department Sits Around The Corner From The Fire Station. C. The Football Was Thrown To The Wide Receiver. D. Grace Has A
The passive voice is a grammatical construction in which the recipient of an action is emphasized, rather than the performer of the action. In this article, we will explore four sentences and identify which ones are written in the passive voice.
Understanding Passive Voice
The passive voice is often used to:
- Emphasize the recipient of an action
- Downplay the performer of an action
- Create a sense of objectivity or neutrality
Analyzing the Sentences
A. Steve is running for team captain.
- Subject: Steve
- Verb: is running
- Object: team captain
This sentence is written in the active voice, as the subject (Steve) is performing the action (running) and the object (team captain) is receiving the action.
B. The police department sits around the corner from the fire station.
- Subject: The police department
- Verb: sits
- Object: around the corner from the fire station
This sentence is written in the active voice, as the subject (the police department) is performing the action (sitting) and the object (around the corner from the fire station) is receiving the action.
C. The football was thrown to the wide receiver.
- Subject: The football
- Verb: was thrown
- Object: to the wide receiver
This sentence is written in the passive voice, as the subject (the football) is receiving the action (being thrown) and the object (to the wide receiver) is emphasized.
D. Grace has a
This sentence is incomplete and does not provide enough information to determine whether it is written in the active or passive voice.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the sentence that is written in the passive voice is:
- C. The football was thrown to the wide receiver.
This sentence emphasizes the recipient of the action (the football) and downplays the performer of the action (the person who threw the football).
Tips for Identifying Passive Voice
- Look for the verb form "was" or "were" to indicate the passive voice.
- Identify the subject and object of the sentence.
- Determine whether the subject is performing the action or receiving the action.
In the previous article, we explored the concept of passive voice and identified which of the four sentences was written in the passive voice. In this article, we will answer some frequently asked questions about passive voice.
Q: What is the difference between active and passive voice?
A: The main difference between active and passive voice is the emphasis on the subject. In active voice, the subject performs the action, while in passive voice, the subject receives the action.
Q: When should I use passive voice?
A: Passive voice is often used to:
- Emphasize the recipient of an action
- Downplay the performer of an action
- Create a sense of objectivity or neutrality
- Avoid blame or responsibility
- Write in a more formal or objective tone
Q: How do I identify passive voice in a sentence?
A: To identify passive voice in a sentence, look for the following characteristics:
- The verb form "was" or "were" is used
- The subject receives the action rather than performing it
- The object is emphasized rather than the subject
Q: Can I use both active and passive voice in the same sentence?
A: Yes, it is possible to use both active and passive voice in the same sentence. This is known as a mixed construction.
Q: What are some examples of passive voice in everyday language?
A: Here are a few examples of passive voice in everyday language:
- The new policy will be implemented next month. (Here, the subject "policy" receives the action "will be implemented")
- The company was founded in 1990. (Here, the subject "company" receives the action "was founded")
- The book was written by John Smith. (Here, the subject "book" receives the action "was written")
Q: Can I use passive voice in academic writing?
A: Yes, passive voice can be used in academic writing, but it is generally recommended to use active voice to make the writing more engaging and easier to read.
Q: Are there any situations where passive voice is not suitable?
A: Yes, there are several situations where passive voice is not suitable:
- In technical writing, where clarity and precision are essential
- In persuasive writing, where the writer wants to emphasize their point of view
- In creative writing, where the writer wants to create a sense of drama or tension
Q: Can I use passive voice in formal writing?
A: Yes, passive voice can be used in formal writing, such as in business reports, academic papers, and government documents. However, it is generally recommended to use active voice to make the writing more engaging and easier to read.
Conclusion
In conclusion, passive voice is a grammatical construction that emphasizes the recipient of an action rather than the performer of the action. While it can be used in certain situations, it is generally recommended to use active voice to make writing more engaging and easier to read. By understanding the characteristics of passive voice and when to use it, you can improve your writing skills and communicate more effectively.