What is an active and passive verb?
In order to understand active and passive verbs, let’s first define what a verb is. Take a look at the table below for the standard definition of a verb.
Definition Examples
Verb Expresses an action or state that usually relates two things
To run, to walk, to swim, to laugh, to have
As you can see, verbs can sometimes make up the bulk of our dialogue . In the English language, verb conjugation is pretty simple in comparison to other languages. Compare the conjugation of the verb ‘to run’ in English versus french.
French English
I (je) cours
run
You (tu) cours
run
She/he (elle/il) court
runs
We (nous) courons
run
They (elles, ils) courent
run
When we talk about active and passive verbs, then, we’re not really talking too much about the conjugation of the verb. Instead, it is dependent on what the subject in the sentence is doing. Take a look at the definition of active verbs below.
Definition Subject
Active verb When the subject of the verb is performing the action
Who or what the sentence is about (performing action verbs)
Now that we’ve covered an active verbs definition, let’s take a look at some active verbs examples.
passive verbs definition:
Definition Subject
Passive verb When the subject is being put through the verb action
Who or what is receiving the action of the verb
Let’s take a look at some examples of passive verbs.
How do you know if a verb is active or passive?
One easy way to spot the difference between an active and passive verb is to understand whether the speaker is taking an active or passive tone. Now that you understand what is and active and passive verb, let’s take a look at the definitions of an active and passive voice below.
Definition Subject
Active voice Uses an active form of verbs
Subject is performing an action
Passive voice Uses a passive form of verbs
Subject is receiving the action from the verb
As you can see, when a speaker is using passive verbs, they are employing a passive voice . Let’s take a look at an example of a passive voice.
passive or active .
Subject Passive verb
The time was marked by the clock
The time
Was marked
If the test was taken before twelve
The test
Was taken
The grade would be counted
The grade
Would be
Let’s take a look at an example of an active voice .
clarity on why this voice is an active one.
Subject Active verb
The clock marks the time
The clock
marks
If they take the test before twelve
They
take
The grade counts
The grade
counts
What is an active verb example?
Let’s break down an example of an active verb. Remember that an active verb is used when the subject of the sentence is performing the verb. Let’s take a look at some examples. Try your best to break down each example and decide whether or not they are using an active verb or passive verb.
Sentence Active Verb?
Example 1 Your grandma made the pierogies?
?
Example 2 The tornado destroyed much of what was left.
?
Example 3 I wanted to go, but I was busy.
?
Let’s take a look at the answers, as well as an explanation for why.
Sentence Active Verb? Subject Verb Performed by Subject
Example 1 Your grandma made the pierogies?
Yes
Grandma
made
Example 2 The tornado destroyed much of what was left.
Yes
Tornado
destroyed
Example 3 I wanted to go, but I was busy.
Yes
I
wanted, was
When you use active verbs, you are using an active voice. Active voices are usually used in essays and in day-to-day life.
What is a passive verb example?
Now that we’ve looked at some examples of active verbs, let’s turn to look at passive verb examples. Recall that when we have a passive verb, the subject of the sentence is having the verb performed onto them. Looking at the examples below, try to identify which are passive verbs.
Sentence Active Verb?
Example 1 The pizza was burned by the oven.
?
Example 2 Trains are driven by train conductors.
?
Example 3 You were gone by evening.
?
Let’s take a look at the answers, as well as an explanation for why.
Sentence Active Verb? Subject Subject Receiving Verb’s Action Received from
Example 1 The pizza was burned by the oven.
Yes
Pizza
Was burned
Oven
Example 2 Trains are driven by train conductors.
Yes
Trains
Are driven
Train conductors
Example 3 You were gone by evening.
No
-
-
-
When you use passive verbs, you are using a passive voice. Passive voices shouldn’t be used in essays. They are, however, often used in journalism. Listen to the news and you should find plenty of examples of sentences with passive verbs.
Why are passive verbs used?
There are many different reasons why passive verbs are used. When you’re writing in any academic setting, active verbs are usually encouraged because they produce an active voice. However, there are some instances where you might want to use passive verbs. Take a look at some of the reasons why you might prefer to use passive verbs overactive verbs. Along with each reason, you will find an example.
Reason Example How
Focus on subject who is receiving the action rather than who is doing the action
Glass is made by melting down and chemically altering sand.
We don’t focus here on who made the glass but how it is made.
Avoid stating irrelevant information.
The car was designed to withstand lightning strikes.
We don’t care who made the car but rather it’s features.
Avoid repeating information
The impact of the study is discussed in the conclusion.
The author is discussing it, so it is not worth repeating.
Taking on an academic/professional tone
The sample was taken from a representative group.
We don’t have to use personal pronouns (we, I, etc.)
