Section outline

  • Voice indicates whether the subject is performing or receiving the action. 

    Voice which shows the relation between the subject & the action done by the verb.

    The two types of voices are:

    • In Active Voice the subject of a sentence does the action.

      Order of words in active voice is:

      Subject + Verb + Object

      Example:

      The girl wrote a letter.

      Here, girl = subject, wrote = verb, letter = object.

      Active voice is:

      1. Direct communication.
      2. Easy to understand.
      3. Gives importance to the doer (subject) of the action.
      4. More dynamic & engaging.
    • In Passive Voice the subject of a sentence receives the action.

      Order of words in passive voice is:

      Subject + 'Be' form + past participle + by (agent)

      Example:

      The letter was written by the girl.

      Here, letter = subject, was written = verb, girl = agent

      Thus the subject (letter) receives the action of being written by the doer (girl).

      Uses of Passive Voice:

      1. The doer of the action is unknown.
      2. The importance is more on the action or subject that receives the action rather than who is doing the action.
      3. To avoid blame for a thing done is not as per expectation.

      Example:

      The letter was misplaced.

      Here,

      1. The doer of the action (i.e. by you) is not mentioned directly; it is implied.
      2. The action (i.e. misplaced) is give importance.
      3. The direct blame is softened by not mentioning the doer.