ACTIVE AND PASSIVE VOICE PART1 SIMPLE PRESENT TENSE

Introduction

In this tutorial, we will explore the concepts of active and passive voice in the simple present tense. Understanding these grammatical structures is essential for effective communication in English. This guide is designed to help learners distinguish between active and passive sentences, particularly focusing on forms that begin with "me" (active) and "di" (passive), ensuring better comprehension and usage.

Step 1: Understanding Active Voice

Active voice is when the subject of the sentence performs the action. In simple present tense, the structure is straightforward.

Key Features of Active Voice

• The subject is doing the action.
• The verb form is in the base form or present simple.

Examples

• I eat an apple.
• She plays the piano.

Practical Tips

• Identify the subject and action in the sentence.
• Ensure the subject is clearly performing the action.

Step 2: Identifying Passive Voice

Passive voice occurs when the subject of the sentence is acted upon by the verb. In simple present tense, it often uses the verb "to be" in conjunction with the past participle.

Key Features of Passive Voice

• The subject receives the action.
• The structure typically follows this format: Subject + to be + past participle.

Examples

• An apple is eaten by me.
• The piano is played by her.

Practical Tips

• Look for the verb "to be" (is, am, are) followed by a past participle.
• Remember that the focus is on the action received by the subject.

Step 3: Conversion Between Active and Passive Voice

Converting sentences from active to passive voice can enhance your writing and provide variety.

Steps for Conversion

1. Identify the object of the active sentence.

   • Example: "I eat an apple." (Object: apple)

2. Make the object of the active sentence the subject of the passive sentence.

   • New subject: "An apple"

3. Use the appropriate form of "to be" based on the new subject.

   • "An apple is"

4. Add the past participle of the main verb.

   • "An apple is eaten"

5. Include the original subject at the end, if necessary, using "by."

   • "An apple is eaten by me."

Example Conversion

• Active: "The teacher explains the lesson."
• Passive: "The lesson is explained by the teacher."

Step 4: Practice with Examples

To solidify your understanding, practice converting sentences between active and passive voice.

Exercise

1. Convert the following active sentences to passive:

   • "The dog chases the cat."
   • "The chef cooks the meal."

2. Convert the following passive sentences to active:

   • "The book is read by the student."
   • "The song is sung by the choir."

Conclusion

Understanding active and passive voice in the simple present tense is crucial for clear communication. Remember that active voice emphasizes the subject performing the action, while passive voice highlights the action being performed on the subject. Practice regularly with sample sentences to enhance your proficiency. As you progress, consider delving into more complex tenses and structures for a comprehensive grasp of English grammar.