Current Affairs 6th Class

Category : 6th Class

     Definition

The voice is the form of verb which indicates whether a person or thing does something or something has been done to a person or thing.

•   You write a letter
•   A letter is written by you.

In the sentences given above, both the sentences have the similar meaning But in the first example subject works itself whereas in second example the object is used as subject.  

      There are two kinds of voice:

(i) Active voice

(ii) Passive voice  

         Active Voice Definition:

When the subject or person or thing is the doer of an action, the form of the verb is said to be in Active Voice.

•  The farmer ploughs the field.
•  The field is ploughed by the farmer.  

       Now notice the difference between these two sentences.

In first sentence, the form of the verb shows that the subject the farmer, is doing something. It is the doer of the action. In other words, it can also be said the subject is active. So the verb form, "ploughs" is said to be in Active Voice.  

      Passive Voice

Definition: When the subject (person or thing) is the receiver of an action, form of the verb is said to be in Passive Voice.

•  The farmer ploughs the field.
•  The field is ploughed by the farmer.  

       Now notice the difference between these two sentences.

In the second sentence, the form of the verb shows that the subject the farmer is the receiver of the action or something is done to the Subject. In other words, it can also be said that the Subject is not Active but Passive. So the Verb form "is ploughed" is said to be in Passive Voice.

Therefore, Active voice is a direct way to show an action whereas passive voice is an indirect way to show to show an action.  

      Remember

•  Voice is that form of Verb which shows whether the subject is doer of the action or receiver of the action.
•  A Transitive Verb has two Voice:

(i) Active Voice

(ii) Passive Voice

•  Voice change is the change in the structure of a sentence.
•  There is no change in the meaning of the sentences of Active and Passive Voice.  

        Changing of Active Voice into Passive Voice  

       Rules for changing active to passive:

(i) The subject changes into object and object changes into subject.

Active: Steve learns a lesson.

Passive: A lesson is learned by Steve.

Here Steve becomes object in passive voice and a lesson becomes subject.

(ii)  The form of the Verb changes according to its tense. It becomes Be + Past Participle of the verb;

Active: Steve learns a lesson.

Passive: A lesson is learnt by Steve.

Here the verb is: Is learnt.

(iii) The Number of the Verb changes according to the Subject of Passive Voice:                                                                  

Active: Steve learns lessons.

Passive: Lessons are learnt by Steve.

Here "are" is used because of the plural subject.

(iv) "By" is used before a subject which changes into object.

Active: Steve learns a lesson.

Passive: A lesson is learnt by Steve. Here "By" is used before Steve.  

       Remember

The following steps to be followed while changing active voice into Passive:

Step 1:   Replace the subject by object.

Step 2:  Make subject a according to the verb.

Step 3:  Use 'by' before the object.

Step 4:   Use Helping verb as per tense.

Step 5:   Use IIIrd form of the verb.