Passive Voice Clarified

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What characterizes a sentence written in passive voice?

In passive voice, the subject receives the action rather than performing it.

Change this active sentence to passive: 'Sara wrote the report.'

The report was written by Sara.

What is a common structural component of passive voice sentences?

The use of a form of 'be' plus the past participle is common in passive sentences.

Why might a writer choose passive voice?

A writer might use passive voice to emphasize the action or the recipient of the action rather than the actor.

Provide an example of a sentence in passive voice.

The cake was eaten by the children.

How does passive voice affect sentence focus?

Passive voice shifts the focus from the doer to the action or its recipient.

Convert this sentence to passive voice: 'The dog chased the cat.'

The cat was chased by the dog.

In scientific writing, why is passive voice often used?

Passive voice is used in scientific writing to focus on the process and results rather than the researcher.

Identify the passive voice in this sentence: 'The window was broken by the storm.'

'was broken' is in passive voice.

What is the passive form of 'The manager will review the document'?

The document will be reviewed by the manager.

How do you recognize passive voice in a sentence?

Look for a form of 'be' followed by a past participle and possibly the use of 'by' to identify the performer of the action.

Rewrite to passive voice: 'The team is building a new playground.'

A new playground is being built by the team.

What is an advantage of using passive voice in news reporting?

Passive voice can be used to remove focus from the subject, which can be useful when the subject is unknown or irrelevant.

Transform this to passive: 'The artist painted the mural.'

The mural was painted by the artist.

Why is passive voice useful in official reports?

It allows the writer to focus on procedures rather than who performed the action, often depersonalizing the text.