passive voice

A sentence construction in which the object being acted upon becomes the subject of the sentence. Active verbs are often replaced with to be verbs.

The style is considered weak and inefficient.

Examples:

  • The room was cleaned by him.
  • The bill was introduced by the senator.
  • The protesters were hit with tear gas.

Reconstructing each sentence in active voice places the subject at the front of the sentence followed by an active verb followed by the object.

  • He cleaned the room.
  • The senator introduced the bill.
  • Tear gas hit the protesters.

When in doubt, use active voice.

Didn’t find what you need?

Try searching the Style and Accessibility Guide in the box below


Join the Guide patrons

The Style and Accessibility Guide is free to use because people like you have become Guide patrons. Consider joining for $24.99 a year — or any amount you choose.