Active and Passive Sentences
A sentence is written in active voice when the subject of the
sentence performs the action in the sentence.
e.g. The girl was washing the dog.
A sentence is written in passive voice when the subject of the
sentence has an action done to it by someone or something
else.
e.g. The dog was being washed by the girl.
Task One
Copy out each of these sentences and then write whether it is in
active or passive voice. (Hint: In these sentences look for the
person who is carrying out the action).
1. Mark was eating an apple.
2. The picture was painted by Bob.
3. Tina opened the present.
4. The phone was being used by Mr Thomas.
5. The card was made by Fred.
6. James hit the tree with his stick.
7. The man jumped off the step.
8. Daniel was watching the birds.
Task Two
Copy out each of these sentences and then write whether it is in
active or passive voice.
1. The key was used to open the door.
2. The crisp packet was thrown away.
3. James couldn’t see the man.
