Voice: Active, Passive Voice, etc | Difference, Rules of Usage & Examples

When the subject becomes the object and vice versa, the sentence can indeed become more convoluted and less direct. In this case, Take a sentence like “I want ice cream now” is transformed into a more detached and awkward form: “Ice cream is wanted by me now.” This restructuring not only increases the sentence’s length but also introduces a more formal and less immediate tone.

What is Voice

In grammar, the term “voice” refers to the form of a verb that indicates whether the subject of the sentence is the doer of the action or the receiver of the action and the participants (subject or object) in a sentence.

There are two primary voices in English: active voice and passive voice.

  1. Active Voice:
    • In active voice, the subject performs the action.
    • Example: “The cat chased the mouse.”
  2. Passive Voice:
    • In passive voice, the subject is the receiver of the action.
    • Example: “The mouse was chased by the cat.”

Understanding and using active and passive voice can affect the emphasis and style of a sentence. Active voice is often a more direct and straightforward voice, while passive voice may be used to shift focus or emphasize the object or recipient of the action.

English primarily accepts active and passive voices, and it doesn’t have distinct morphological markers for middle, antipassive, or mediopassive voices as seen in some other languages. However, English does employ various strategies to convey similar meanings:

  1. Middle Voice:
    • In English, the middle voice is often expressed using reflexive pronouns, where the subject acts upon itself.
      • Example: “She washed herself.”
  2. Antipassive Voice:
    • English doesn’t have a true antipassive construction, but it achieves similar effects by omitting the direct object or using intransitive verbs.
      • Example: “She cooked (without specifying an object).”
  3. Mediopassive Voice:
    • English does not have a dedicated mediopassive voice, but reflexive constructions and certain verb forms can convey self-initiated or reflexive actions.
      • Example: “He enjoyed himself at the party.”

While English may not have distinct grammatical forms for these voices, it often relies on context, word order, and specific verbs to convey similar meanings. These nuances in expression are typically handled through the various structures and idiomatic usages present in the language rather than through distinct voice markings.

What is the Active Voice?

Active voice is a grammatical construction in which the subject of a sentence performs the action expressed by the verb. In other words, the subject is the doer of the action. Sentences in the active voice typically follow a straightforward structure: subject-verb-object.

Here’s an example in active voice:

Example:

  • Active Voice: “The chef (subject) prepared (verb) a delicious meal (object).”

In this sentence, “The chef” is the one performing the action of preparing the meal. The active voice is often used to convey a clear and direct expression of the action and the doer of that action. It is a more straightforward way of presenting information in a sentence.

What is the Passive Voice?

Passive voice is a grammatical construction where the object of an action becomes the subject of the sentence. In passive voice, the emphasis is on the recipient of the action rather than the doer. The structure of passive voice sentences is often reversed compared to active voice sentences.

Here’s an example in passive voice:

Example:

  • Passive Voice: “A delicious meal (subject) was prepared (verb) by the chef (agent).”

In this sentence, “A delicious meal” is the subject, but it is the recipient of the action rather than the doer. The doer or agent (the chef) is mentioned after the verb. Passive voice is often used when the doer of the action is less important or when the speaker wants to focus on the action itself or the result.

It’s worth noting that passive voice can sometimes make sentences less direct or dynamic, so writers often choose between active and passive voice based on the desired emphasis and style.

What is the Mediopassive voice?

The mediopassive voice, also known simply as the mediopassive, is a linguistic phenomenon found in some languages where a verb form serves a dual purpose, encompassing both middle and passive voice meanings. In other words, the mediopassive voice can convey reflexive or reciprocal actions (middle voice) as well as actions where the subject is affected or acted upon (passive voice).

In languages with a mediopassive voice, a single verb form can express both self-initiated actions and actions where the subject is affected by an external force. This feature adds flexibility to the language by allowing a speaker to convey different nuances without the need for distinct verb forms.

It’s important to note that not all languages have a mediopassive voice, and the presence or absence of this feature varies across linguistic systems. Languages that exhibit a mediopassive voice often use specific morphological or syntactic markers to convey the intended meaning.

For example, in Ancient Greek, the mediopassive voice is commonly used. The verb forms in the mediopassive voice can denote actions performed by or upon the subject or actions with a reflexive or reciprocal nature.

Examples:

  • The book reads well.
  • The trousers wash easily.
  • Ripe oranges peel well.
  • The book was not selling.

What is the Antipassive voice?

The antipassive voice (abbreviated ANTIP or AP) is a grammatical construction found in some languages that involves a valency-decreasing operation. Valency refers to the number of arguments a verb can take. The antipassive voice typically reduces the valency of a verb by omitting or demoting the object of the action. It is the opposite of the passive voice, which increases valency by promoting the object to the subject position.

In an antipassive construction:

  1. The agent (subject) performs the action.
  2. The object of the action is demoted or omitted.
  3. The verb is often marked to show its antipassive nature.

Here’s an example in English, although English does not have a full-fledged antipassive voice:

Active Voice:

  • “She eats an apple.”

Antipassive-like Construction:

  • “She eats.”

In some languages that utilize the antipassive voice more explicitly, this construction may serve various functions, such as focusing on the action itself or the agent, and it is often marked by specific morphological or syntactic features.

It’s important to note that not all languages have an antipassive voice, and the presence or absence of such constructions varies across linguistic systems.

What is the Middle voice?

The middle voice is a grammatical construction that represents a verb form in which the subject of the verb is understood to perform the action for its own benefit, or the subject is involved in the action in a way that is not specifically active or passive. The middle voice is somewhat of a middle ground between the active and passive voices.

In English, the middle voice is not as explicitly marked as it is in some other languages, but it can be expressed through reflexive pronouns or with certain verbs that inherently carry a middle voice meaning. Some languages (such as Albanian, Bengali, Fula, Tamil, Sanskrit, Icelandic, Swedish, and Ancient Greek) have a middle voice, which is a set of inflections or constructions which is to some extent different from both the active and passive voices. Here are some examples:

  1. With Reflexive Pronouns:
    • Active: “She washed herself.”
    • Middle: “She washed.”
  2. With Certain Verbs:
    • Active: “He opened the door.”
    • Middle: “The door opens.”

In the second example, the door seems to act on its own, and the subject is not explicitly doing the action, creating a sense of middle voice.

It’s worth noting that the concept of the middle voice is more pronounced and explicitly marked in some other languages, such as Ancient Greek, Sanskrit, and some modern languages like Icelandic. In these languages, verbs can have distinct forms for the active, middle, and passive voices.

Other voice contrasts

The richness and diversity of linguistic structures across languages are fascinating. The existence of multiple grammatical voices and valency-changing constructions reflects the ways in which different languages encode actions and relationships between participants in varied and nuanced ways.

languages like Classical Mongolian, the various voices you mentioned serve specific functions:

  1. Active Voice: Represents a straightforward action where the subject is the doer of the action.
  2. Passive Voice: Shifts the focus to the object or the recipient of the action.
  3. Causative Voice: Indicates that the subject causes someone or something else to perform the action.
  4. Reciprocal Voice: Indicates a mutual action between two or more participants.
  5. Cooperative Voice: Implies collaboration or joint action by multiple participants.

In hierarchical or inversion languages, the agreement system is indeed influenced by hierarchies such as person, animacy, or other features. This can lead to changes in word order or agreement patterns based on the social or hierarchical status of the participants in the action.

These linguistic features highlight the diversity and adaptability of human languages to express a wide range of meanings and relationships. Studying such linguistic diversity provides insights into the complexity and flexibility of human communication systems.

Active and passive voice usage

The option between active and passive voice depends on the context, emphasis, and the writer’s intention. Here are some general guidelines on when to use each:

Active Voice

  1. Clarity and Directness:
    • Active voice is generally more straightforward and clearer.
    • Example: “The team completed the project.”
  2. Emphasis on the Doer:
    • Use active voice when you want to emphasize the subject (the doer) of the action.
    • Example: “The artist painted a beautiful mural.”
  3. Engagement:
    • Active voice tends to engage the reader more actively.
    • Example: “I will submit the report tomorrow.”
  4. Conciseness:
    • Active voice is often more concise and to the point.
    • Example: “The company launched the product.”

Passive Voice

  1. Emphasis on the Receiver or Result:
    • Passive voice is useful when you want to emphasize the recipient of the action or the result.
    • Example: “The novel was written by a famous author.”
  2. Unknown or Unimportant Doer:
    • When the doer of the action is unknown or less important, passive voice can be used.
    • Example: “The mistake was corrected.”
  3. Formality:
    • Passive voice is sometimes preferred in formal writing.
    • Example: “The proposal has been approved.”
  4. Object Focus:
    • Passive voice can shift the focus to the object of the action.
    • Example: “A new policy has been implemented.”

Considerations

  1. Context:
    • Consider the context and the information you want to emphasize.
  2. Variety:
    • Using a mix of active and passive voice can add variety to your writing.
  3. Readability:
    • Strive for a balance that ensures readability and clarity.

Remember that, both active and passive voice have their places in writing, and the option depends on the specific requirements of the sentence or passage.

How to change passive voice to active voice?

To change a sentence from passive voice to active voice, you generally need to identify the subject, verb, and object of the passive sentence and then rearrange them to form an active sentence. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Identify the Components

  1. Subject (doer of the action):
    • Find the original subject of the passive sentence. This might be found in the “by” phrase or omitted altogether.
  2. Verb:
    • Locate the main verb of the passive sentence.
  3. Object (receiver of the action):
    • Identify the original object of the passive sentence.

Step 2: Rearrange the Components

  1. Move the Subject to the Beginning:
    • The original subject in the passive sentence becomes the new subject in the active sentence.
  2. Place the Verb Next:
    • Keep the original verb.
  3. Move the Object After the Verb:
    • The original object in the passive sentence becomes the new object in the active sentence.

Step 3: Adjust for Tense and Person

  1. Adjust the Verb:
    • If the original passive sentence is in a different tense, adjust the verb accordingly.
  2. Maintain Consistent Person:
    • Ensure that the person (first, second, or third) remains consistent in both sentences.

Example

Passive Voice Sentence

  • “The book was read by Mary.”

Active Voice Conversion

  • “Mary (subject) read (verb) the book (object).”

Note

In some cases, the doer of the action (the original subject in the passive voice) might be unknown or unimportant. In such instances, you may need to rephrase the sentence to maintain clarity and coherence.

How to change active voice to passive voice?

To change a sentence from active voice to passive voice, you generally need to identify the subject, verb, and object of the active sentence and then rearrange them to form a passive sentence. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Step 1: Identify the Components

  1. Subject (doer of the action):
    • Find the original subject of the active sentence.
  2. Verb:
    • Locate the main verb of the active sentence.
  3. Object (receiver of the action):
    • Identify the original object of the active sentence.

Step 2: Rearrange the Components

  1. Move the Object to the Beginning:
    • The original object in the active sentence becomes the new subject in the passive sentence.
  2. Place the Verb Next:
    • Keep the original verb.
  3. Move the Original Subject After the Verb:
    • The original subject in the active sentence becomes the agent in the passive sentence, usually introduced by “by.”

Step 3: Adjust for Tense and Person

  1. Adjust the Verb:
    • If the original active sentence is in a different tense, adjust the verb accordingly.
  2. Maintain Consistent Person:
    • Ensure that the person (first, second, or third) remains consistent in both sentences.

Example

Active Voice Sentence:

  • “The chef (subject) cooked (verb) a delicious meal (object).”

Passive Voice Conversion:

  • “A delicious meal (subject) was cooked (verb) by the chef (agent).”

Note

In some cases, the doer of the action (the original subject in the active voice) might be unknown or unimportant. In such instances, you may not include an agent or use a general term like “someone” or “they” instead.

Points to Remember

When dealing with active and passive voice, here are some important points to remember:

Active Voice

  1. Subject Performs the Action:
    • In active voice, the subject of the sentence performs the action.
    • Example: “The cat (subject) chased (verb) the mouse (object).”
  2. Clarity and Directness:
    • Active voice is generally clearer and more direct, making it suitable for most situations.
  3. Emphasis on the Doer:
    • Use active voice when you want to emphasize the subject or doer of the action.
  4. Engagement:
    • Active voice tends to engage the reader more actively, making the writing more dynamic.
  5. Conciseness:
    • Active voice is often more concise and to the point.

Passive Voice

  1. Object or Receiver of the Action Takes Prominence:
    • In passive voice, the focus is on the object or receiver of the action.
    • Example: “The mouse (subject) was chased (verb) by the cat (agent).”
  2. Emphasis on the Result or Action:
    • Passive voice is useful when you want to emphasize the result or action itself.
  3. Unknown or Unimportant Doer:
    • Passive voice is appropriate when the doer of the action is unknown or less important.
  4. Formality:
    • Passive voice is sometimes preferred in formal or scientific writing.
  5. Object Focus:
    • Passive voice can shift the focus to the object of the action.

Pro Tips

  1. Variety in Writing:
    • A mix of active and passive voice can add variety to your writing. Use each based on the context.
  2. Identify Subject, Verb, and Object:
    • When converting between active and passive, identify the subject, verb, and object in the sentence.
  3. Maintain Consistent Tense and Person:
    • Ensure that the tense and person (first, second, or third) remain consistent within a sentence or paragraph.
  4. Consider the Context:
    • Choose active or passive voice based on the context, tone, and emphasis you want to convey.

By keeping these points in mind, you can effectively use both active and passive voice to enhance your writing based on the specific needs of your communication.

A pro tip for you to master the active voice and the passive voice is to know the structure and formula by which they work.

  • Active Voice: Subject + Verb + Object
  • Passive Voice: Object + Verb + Subject

Difference between the Active Voice and the Passive Voice

Analyzing the difference between the active voice and the passive voice is what will help you in a much better way to learn how to use the two voices effectively.

AspectActive VoicePassive Voice
DefinitionActive voice is a grammatical construction in which the subject of a sentence performs the action expressed by the verb.Passive voice is a grammatical construction where the object of an action becomes the subject of the sentence.
SubjectThe subject performs the action.The subject receives the action.
Sentence StructureSubject + Verb + ObjectObject + Verb + Subject (by [agent] if mentioned)
EmphasisEmphasizes the doer of the action.Emphasizes the receiver or result of the action.
Clarity and DirectnessGenerally clearer and more direct.Can be less direct and more formal.
EngagementEngages the reader more actively.May be perceived as less engaging.
Examples“The cat chased the mouse.”“The mouse was chased by the cat.”
Use in WritingCommon in most writing situations.Used in specific contexts or for formal writing.
Focus on Doer or ActionFocus is on the doer of the action.Focus is on the action or the recipient of it.
Unknown DoerAssumes a known doer of the action.Can be used when the doer is unknown or unimportant.
Form of the VerbThe verb form is straightforward.The verb form often includes a form of “to be” along with the past participle.

Remember that the choice between active and passive voice depends on the context and the writer’s intention. Both have their appropriate uses in different situations.

Difference between the Active Voice and the Antipassive Voice

Analyzing the difference between the active voice and the antipassive voice is what will help you in a much better way to learn how to use the two voices effectively.

AspectActive VoiceAntipassive Voice
DefinitionActive voice is a grammatical construction in which the subject of a sentence performs the action expressed by the verb.The antipassive voice is a grammatical construction found in some languages that involves a valency-decreasing operation.
SubjectThe subject performs the action.The subject performs the action, with the object omitted or demoted.
Sentence StructureSubject + Verb + ObjectSubject + Verb (+ Optional Object, often omitted or demoted)
EmphasisEmphasizes the doer of the action.Emphasizes the action itself; the object may be downplayed or omitted.
Clarity and DirectnessGenerally clearer and more direct.Can be less direct, focusing more on the action.
Examples“She reads a book.”“She reads (a book).”
Use in WritingCommon in most writing situations.Used in specific contexts, often intransitive or with intransitive verbs.
Object PresenceIncludes a clear object in the sentence.The object may be omitted or demoted.
Known DoerAssumes a known doer of the action.Focus is on the action, and the doer may be less prominent.
Language ExamplesEnglish: “He writes a letter.”In languages with antipassive: “He writes.”

It’s important to note that the antipassive voice is more commonly found in certain languages that explicitly mark this construction, and not all languages have a dedicated antipassive voice. In English, antipassive-like structures are achieved through intransitive verb usage or omission of the object.

Difference between the Passive Voice and the Antipassive Voice

AspectPassive VoiceAntipassive Voice
DefinitionPassive voice is a grammatical construction where the object of an action becomes the subject of the sentence.The antipassive voice is a grammatical construction found in some languages that involves a valency-decreasing operation.
SubjectThe subject is the receiver of the action.The subject is the doer of the action, with the object omitted or demoted.
Sentence StructureObject + Verb + (Optional Agent)Subject + Verb (+ Optional Object, often omitted or demoted)
EmphasisEmphasizes the action or the object of the action.Emphasizes the doer of the action; the object may be downplayed or omitted.
Clarity and DirectnessCan be less direct, especially if the agent is omitted.Can be less direct, focusing more on the action and the doer.
Examples“The cake was baked by Mary.”“Mary bakes (a cake).”
Use in WritingUsed when the focus is on the result or the object of the action.Used in specific contexts, often intransitive or with intransitive verbs.
Agent PresenceMay include an optional mention of the agent (by phrase).The agent is typically not explicitly mentioned, or may be less prominent.
Language ExamplesEnglish: “The report was written.”In languages with antipassive: “He writes.”

It’s important to note that while the passive voice is a more common and widely recognized construction across various languages, the antipassive voice is a more specialized construction and is found in certain languages that explicitly mark this grammatical form. The antipassive voice often involves the demotion or omission of the object and a focus on the doer of the action.

Difference between the Mediopassive Voice and the Antipassive Voice

AspectMediopassive VoiceAntipassive Voice
DefinitionThe mediopassive voice, also known simply as the mediopassive, is a linguistic phenomenon found in some languages where a verb form serves a dual purpose, encompassing both middle and passive voice meanings.The antipassive voice is a grammatical construction found in some languages that involves a valency-decreasing operation.
SubjectThe subject benefits from or is affected by the action.The subject performs the action, often with a demoted or omitted object.
Sentence StructureSubject + Verb (+ Optional Object)Subject + Verb + (Optional Object)
EmphasisEmphasizes the subject’s involvement in or benefit from the action.Emphasizes the action itself, often with the object being downplayed or omitted.
Clarity and DirectnessCan be clear but may have a more nuanced or reflexive sense.Can be less direct, focusing more on the action and the doer.
Examples“He bathes in the morning.”“He writes (a letter).”
Agent PresenceThe agent (doer) is the subject, often implied or explicit.The agent may be explicit or implicit but is typically less prominent.
Use in WritingUsed to convey self-initiated or reflexive actions.Used in specific contexts, often with intransitive verbs or omission of the object.
Relationship to Object PresenceMay or may not include an object, depending on the context.Typically includes an object but may demote or omit it.

It’s important to note that the mediopassive voice is not as common or explicitly marked in English as it is in some other languages. English often conveys similar meanings using reflexive constructions or specific verbs. In contrast, the antipassive voice is more specialized and is found in languages that explicitly mark this grammatical form, often involving the omission or demotion of the object.

Difference between the Passive Voice and the Mediopassive Voice

AspectPassive VoiceMediopassive Voice
DefinitionPassive voice is a grammatical construction where the object of an action becomes the subject of the sentence.The mediopassive voice, also known simply as the mediopassive, is a linguistic phenomenon found in some languages where a verb form serves a dual purpose, encompassing both middle and passive voice meanings.
SubjectThe subject is the receiver of the action.The subject is involved in or benefits from the action.
Sentence StructureObject + Verb + (Optional Agent)Subject + Verb (+ Optional Object)
EmphasisEmphasizes the action or the object of the action.Emphasizes the subject’s involvement or benefit from the action.
Clarity and DirectnessCan be less direct, especially if the agent is omitted.Can be clear but may have a more nuanced or reflexive sense.
Examples“The cake was baked by Mary.”“He bathes in the morning.”
Agent PresenceMay or may not include an optional mention of the agent (by phrase).The agent (subject) is typically explicit and may or may not be emphasized.
Use in WritingUsed when the focus is on the result or the object of the action.Used to convey self-initiated or reflexive actions.
Relationship to Object PresenceTypically includes an object.May or may not include an object, depending on the context.

It’s important to note that while the passive voice is a more common construction found in many languages, the mediopassive voice is a more specialized concept and may not be explicitly marked in some languages. The mediopassive often involves the subject being both the doer and the recipient of the action or benefiting from it in some way. In English, reflexive constructions or specific verbs may be used to convey similar meanings associated with the mediopassive voice.

Difference between the Active Voice and the Mediopassive Voice

AspectActive VoiceMediopassive Voice
DefinitionActive voice is a grammatical construction in which the subject of a sentence performs the action expressed by the verb.The mediopassive voice, also known simply as the mediopassive, is a linguistic phenomenon found in some languages where a verb form serves a dual purpose, encompassing both middle and passive voice meanings.
SubjectThe subject is the doer of the action.The subject is involved in or benefits from the action.
Sentence StructureSubject + Verb – ObjectSubject + Verb (+ Optional Object)
EmphasisEmphasizes the doer of the action.Emphasizes the subject’s involvement or benefit from the action.
Clarity and DirectnessGenerally clearer and more direct.Can be clear but may have a more nuanced or reflexive sense.
Examples“She reads a book.”“He enjoys himself at the party.”
Agent PresenceThe agent (subject) is explicit and emphasized.The agent (subject) is typically explicit but may not be emphasized.
Use in WritingCommon in most writing situations.Used to convey self-initiated or reflexive actions.
Relationship to Object PresenceTypically includes an object.May or may not include an object, depending on the context.

It’s important to note that while the active voice is a standard construction found in many languages, the mediopassive voice is a more specialized concept and may not be explicitly marked in some languages. The mediopassive often involves the subject being both the doer and the recipient of the action or benefiting from it in some way. In English, reflexive constructions or specific verbs may be used to convey similar meanings associated with the mediopassive voice.

Difference between the Middle Voice and the Mediopassive Voice

AspectMiddle VoiceMediopassive Voice
DefinitionThe middle voice is a grammatical construction that represents a verb form in which the subject of the verb is understood to perform the action for its own benefit, or the subject is involved in the action in a way that is not specifically active or passive.The mediopassive voice, also known simply as the mediopassive, is a linguistic phenomenon found in some languages where a verb form serves a dual purpose, encompassing both middle and passive voice meanings.
SubjectThe subject is typically both the doer and the receiver of the action.The subject is involved in or benefits from the action.
Sentence StructureSubject + Verb (+ Optional Object)Subject + Verb (+ Optional Object)
EmphasisEmphasizes the subject’s self-involvement or reflexive nature of the action.Emphasizes the subject’s involvement or benefit from the action.
Clarity and DirectnessCan convey a nuanced, reflexive sense.Can convey a nuanced or reflexive sense, but may also emphasize benefit or involvement.
Examples“She bathes in the river.”“He enjoys himself at the party.”
Agent PresenceThe subject is both the doer and the recipient of the action.The subject is typically the one benefiting from the action.
Use in WritingUsed to convey self-initiated or reflexive actions.Used to convey self-initiated or reflexive actions, with an emphasis on benefit.
Relationship to Object PresenceMay or may not include an object, depending on the context.May or may not include an object, depending on the context.

It’s important to note that while the middle voice is a relatively straightforward concept, the mediopassive voice may have variations in how it’s realized across different languages. The distinctions between them can sometimes be subtle and depend on the specific linguistic features of a given language. Additionally, not all languages have a mediopassive voice, and the presence or absence of such a construction varies across linguistic systems.


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सर्वनाम (Pronoun) किसे कहते है? परिभाषा, भेद एवं उदाहरण भगवान शिव के 12 ज्योतिर्लिंग | नाम, स्थान एवं स्तुति मंत्र प्रथम विश्व युद्ध: विनाशकारी महासंग्राम | 1914 – 1918 ई.