Identifying Sentences That Employ the Passive Voice- A Closer Look at Which Examples Use the Passive Voice
Which of the following sentences uses the passive voice?
Understanding the passive voice is crucial for mastering English grammar. The passive voice is a grammatical construction that emphasizes the action rather than the doer. It is commonly used in various contexts, such as when the doer is unknown, irrelevant, or when the focus is on the action itself. In this article, we will explore the different sentences provided and identify which one employs the passive voice.
Sentence A: The book was written by the author.
Sentence B: The author wrote the book.
Sentence C: The book is being read by the student.
Sentence D: The student reads the book.
Let’s analyze each sentence to determine which one uses the passive voice.
Sentence A: “The book was written by the author.” This sentence is in the passive voice because the focus is on the action of writing, rather than the doer, the author. The verb “was written” indicates that the action was performed on the book.
Sentence B: “The author wrote the book.” This sentence is in the active voice because the focus is on the doer, the author, and the action of writing. The verb “wrote” shows that the author performed the action.
Sentence C: “The book is being read by the student.” This sentence is also in the passive voice. The focus is on the action of reading, and the verb “is being read” indicates that the action is being performed on the book.
Sentence D: “The student reads the book.” This sentence is in the active voice because the focus is on the doer, the student, and the action of reading. The verb “reads” shows that the student performs the action.
In conclusion, Sentence A (“The book was written by the author”) and Sentence C (“The book is being read by the student”) use the passive voice. These sentences emphasize the action rather than the doer, making them effective in certain contexts. Understanding the passive voice is essential for effective communication and expressing ideas accurately in English.
