Page 55 - Basic English Grammar Student Textbook short

2. John asked a question.

3. The test was failed by James.

4. The music was played by Nathan.

Passive Voice – Reasons to Use

When writing, do not overuse the passive voice; it is typically weak and awkward. Use the active voice unless
you have a good reason to use the passive voice, as demonstrated below.

1. Use passive voice if the doer of the action is unknown.
Example: I was robbed.
2. Use the passive voice if the you want to emphasize the object (receiver of the action) rather than the doer.

Example 1: Twelve male goats were used for the sin offering by the priests.
(passive used to emphasize the male goats)
Example 2: The priests used twelve male goats for the sin offering.

3. Use the passive voice if you think that the doer should remain unidentified.
Example: The last cookie was eaten. The window was broken.
Pay special attention to passive voice verbs in Scripture. Who or what is the doer?

I will deliver such a one to Satan for the destruction of his flesh,
that his spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. (1 Cor. 5:5 NAS)

Practice 10F: Active and Passive Voice. Write the sentence in the opposite voice.

1. God added those who were saved.
2.
3. The anthem is still sung by the choirs of Israel to this day.
4.
5. God has seen my misery.
6.
7. My misery was seen.
8.
9. Eleazar the priest will obtain decisions for him.
10.

Practice: Writing Practice. Write a variety of sentences using active and passive voice verbs.

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