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VERB
What is the difference between an active verb and a passive verb?
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1 Reply
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The main difference between an active verb and a passive verb is the way they describe the relationship between the subject and the action.
Active Verbs:
In an active verb construction, the subject of the sentence performs the action.
The subject is the “doer” of the action.
Example: “The dog chased the cat.”
Passive Verbs:
In a passive verb construction, the subject of the sentence receives the action.
The object of the active sentence becomes the subject of the passive sentence.
The “doer” of the action is often omitted or appears in a “by” phrase.
Example: “The cat was chased by the dog.”
Key differences:
Active voice focuses on the subject performing the action.
Passive voice focuses on the subject receiving the action.
Active voice is generally more direct and concise.
Passive voice can be useful for emphasizing the recipient of the action or when the actor is unknown or unimportant.
Passive constructions often use forms of the verb “to be” plus the past participle (e.g. “was chased”).
The choice between active and passive voice depends on the writer’s purpose and the context of the sentence. Both have their appropriate uses in clear, effective communication.
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