A verb form can be in the active voice or in the passive voice. Active verb forms are different from passive forms; however, sometimes they are confused. These mistakes are not very surprising because of the following reasons.

Be (is, am, are, was and were) can be used to make both passive forms and continuous forms in the active voice.

Past participles are used to make both passive verb forms and perfect tenses in the active voice.

Find out the verbs in the following sentences and state whether they are in the active voice or passive voice.

1. The boy killed the spider.

2. This house was built by my grandfather.

3. The boy was bitten by a snake.

4. The loud noise frightened the cows.

5. His command was promptly obeyed.

6. All the milk was drunk by the cat.

7. She opened the door.

8. A stone struck me on the head.

9. I have just posted the letter.

10. The minister inaugurated the exhibition.

Answers

1. Verb – killed; active voice

2. verb – was built; passive voice

3. Verb – was bitten; passive voice

4. Verb – frightened; active voice

5. Verb – was obeyed; passive voice

6. Verb – was drunk; passive voice

7. Verb – opened; active voice

8. Verb – struck; active voice

9. Verb – have posted; active voice

10. Verb – inaugurated; active voice