ELA
Confusing Passive and Active Voice
Students call a sentence active just because it names the doer, or they call it passive just because it uses a form of be.
Quick check
Why students make it
They look for clue words instead of asking who performs the action. A by phrase can name the doer in a passive sentence, and be can appear in active sentences too.
The rule done right
In active voice, the subject performs the action. In passive voice, the subject receives the action, and the doer may appear in a by phrase or may be left out.
Related resources
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Active vs Passive Voice Infographic -
Common Grammar Mistakes Infographic -
Subject-Verb Agreement Infographic -
Sentence Types Infographic -
Subject and Predicate Infographic - Active vs Passive Voice Cheat Sheet
- Verb Mood & Voice Reference Cheat Sheet
- Subject-Verb Agreement Rules Cheat Sheet
- Grammar & Punctuation Cheat Sheet
- Sentence Structure & Diagramming Cheat Sheet
- Language Arts, Active and Passive Voice Worksheet
- Language Arts, Subject-Verb Agreement Worksheet
- Language Arts, Syntax Style and Diction Worksheet
- Advanced Grammar, Mechanics and Syntax Worksheet
- Language Arts, Parallel Structure and Sentence Variety Worksheet
- Grammar Patterns Explorer Tool
- Writing Rubric Builder Tool
- Paragraph Organizer Tool
- Grammar Patterns Lab Lab
- Argument Writing Lab Lab
- Narrative Writing Lab Lab