active v. passive verbs by: aaron and jordan. what are they? active verbs an active verb is the verb...
TRANSCRIPT
Active v. Passive Verbs
By: Aaron and Jordan
What are they?
Active VerbsAn active verb is the verb used
in an active sentence.
When the subject of the sentence performs the action
the sentence is considered active.
Passive VerbsAn active verb is the verb used
in a passive sentence.
When the verb of the sentence is performed on the subject the
sentence is referred to as a passive.
Examples of Active Verbs
Past tenseI kicked the baby down the stairs.
Present tenseI eat pudding flavored jello with lunch everyday.
Future tenseI will drive from Michigan to Jamaica later tonight.
Examples of Passive Verbs
Past tenseI was taught to live by Alaskan Manatee.
Present tenseI am being showed how to knit by a chicken.
Future tenseI will learn how to play curling by Michael Phelps.
Identifying Active Verbs from Passive Verbs
1. Locate the subject of the sentence.2. Locate the main verb of the sentence.3. Analyze how the subject and main verb are related.
If the subject performs the action the sentence is active.
If the subject observes while something else performs the action on it the sentence is passive.
If the main verb is a linking verb then the sentence is neither active nor passive. The sentence is just describing a state of being.
Passive Verb Usage TipsMany times a passive sentence may sound awkward or incorrect. Using the passive tone sparingly and with purpose can be an important way to accentuate a composition.
•Downplaying an action
•Downplaying the “actor”
•When the “actor” is unknown or you wish to keep them unknown
Active Commands
Active commands are also known as imperatives. Imperatives are another form of active sentences. In an imperative the main subject is being told to do something.
Active Command Examples
Do not be late for class.
Place the monkey in the barrel.
Tell me your secret recipe.
You will eat the cat food.
Go jump in front of a herd of stampeding hippopotamuses.
Beware!
Passive sentences do not require the identification of the performer of the action. This can lead to confusing or awkward sentences that can be easily repaired. Usually if a statement does not quite sound right as a passive sentence it is wise to revise it to being an imperative.
El fin