Active Voice and Passive Voice: Can Every Active Sentence be Transferred into a Passive One?
Active voice and passive voice are two different ways to express actions in a sentence. In active voice, the subject performs the action, while in passive voice, the subject receives the action. The question is, can every active sentence be changed or transferred into a passive one? The answer is yes, but there are some considerations to keep in mind. Let's take a look at a couple of examples to understand this concept better. Example 1: "He smiles." In this active sentence, the subject "he" performs the action "smiles." To change it into passive voice, we need to focus on the receiver of the action. In this case, the receiver is not mentioned in the sentence. Therefore, it is not possible to transfer this sentence into passive voice without additional information. Example 2: "The police catch a criminal." In this active sentence, the subject "the police" performs the action "catch." To change it into passive voice, we need to focus on the receiver of the action. In this case, the receiver is "a criminal." The passive voice version of this sentence would be "A criminal is caught by the police." It is important to note that not all active sentences can be easily transferred into passive voice. Some sentences may require additional information or restructuring to maintain clarity and coherence. Additionally, the choice between active and passive voice depends on the emphasis we want to give to the subject or the object of the sentence. In conclusion, while it is possible to transfer most active sentences into passive voice, it is not always straightforward. The key is to identify the receiver of the action and adjust the sentence accordingly. Understanding the differences between active and passive voice can enhance our writing skills and allow us to express ideas in different ways. Get to know: Discuss in your group Now that you have learned about active and passive voice, discuss in your group how these two forms can be used effectively in different types of writing. Share examples and discuss the impact of using active or passive voice in conveying information and engaging the reader.