Lesson 3.7: Active & Passive Voice
Introduction:
Active and passive voice questions are frequently asked in SSC English exams. Understanding how to convert sentences correctly is essential.
1. Active Voice
-
Definition: Subject performs the action.
-
Structure: Subject + Verb + Object
-
Example: Ram writes a letter.
2. Passive Voice
-
Definition: Subject receives the action.
-
Structure: Object + Verb (past participle) + by + Subject
-
Example: A letter is written by Ram.
3. Conversion Rules
-
Tense Consistency: Keep the tense unchanged when converting.
-
Object becomes Subject: The object of the active sentence becomes the subject in passive.
-
Do not forget ‘by’ when the performer of the action is mentioned.
-
Imperative Sentences: Convert using “Let…”
-
Example: Close the door → Let the door be closed.
-
-
Questions: Convert interrogatives carefully.
-
Example: Did he write a letter? → Was a letter written by him?
-
4. SSC Tips
-
Always identify the subject, verb, and object.
-
Practice regular conversion of active → passive and vice versa.
-
Pay attention to irregular verbs (write → written, eat → eaten).
5. Practice Questions
-
Convert to passive: She cleans the room.
-
Convert to passive: Ram wrote a book.
-
Convert to active: The homework was done by the students.
-
Convert to passive: The police caught the thief.
-
Convert to active: A letter is being sent by the manager.