The active and passive voices

The Active and Passive Voices

The Active and Passive Voices
The Active and Passive Voices

INTERMEDIATE TO ADVANCED B2-C2 · 6 WEEKS · $26

In this comprehensive course, you will delve into the usage and nuances of the active and passive voices in English. Understanding when and how to use each voice is essential for effective communication. Through engaging lessons, interactive exercises, and practical examples, you will develop a solid grasp of the active and passive voices, including their applications in different contexts.

The active voice is used when the subject does the action.

  • A man delivered a pizza.

The passive voice is used when the subject is the recipient of the action.

  • A pizza was delivered.

Is it always necessary to mention the “doer” of the action?

  • The thief was arrested.

Why do we sometimes emphasize the recipient of the action?

In this course, the use of each voice is explained in detail.

Active Voice vs. Passive Voice:
Learn the distinction between the active and passive voices.
For example: "She wrote a letter." (active voice) vs. "The letter was written (by her.)" (passive voice).
Understand how the choice of voice impacts the emphasis and structure of a sentence.

Active and Passive Voice of Gerunds and Infinitives:
Compare and contrast the active and passive voice when using gerunds and infinitives.
For example: "He doesn't like people insulting him." (active gerund) vs. "He doesn't like being insulted." (passive gerund).

"I want you to understand me." (active infinitive) vs. "I want to be understood." (passive infinitive).
Practice transforming sentences from one voice to another while maintaining meaning and clarity.

Replacing "Be" with "Get":
Explore the concept of replacing "be" with "get" in passive voice constructions. "Be" indicates a passive state or condition and focuses on the resulting state or action. "Get" suggests a sense of action or process involved in bringing about the passive state.
For example: "My car was stolen" (passive with "be") vs. "My car got stolen." (passive with "get").
Understand the nuances and implications of using "get" in passive structures. The choice between "be" and "get" in the passive voice depends on the desired emphasis or the specific meaning the speaker wants to convey. "Be" is more commonly used and generally neutral, focusing on the result or state, while "get" adds a sense of action or process leading to that state. It's important to note that the use of "get" in the passive voice is more informal.

"It is said, believed, reported, etc." and "He is believed, said, thought, etc. to have":
Examine the use of phrases such as "it is said," "it is believed," and "it is reported."
For example: "It is said that she is a talented musician."
Explore the structure "He is believed, said, thought, etc. to have" for expressing beliefs and opinions about someone's actions or qualities.
For example: "He is believed to have won the competition."

The Causative and Its Relation to the Passive Voice:

Gain an understanding of the causative construction and its connection to the passive voice.
For example: "She had her car repaired (by a mechanic.)" (causative construction). "Get" can be used instead of "have" in more informal situations. For example: "She got her car repaired."
Learn how to use the causative to express arrangements, arrangements made by others, and cause-and-effect relationships. Practice forming causative sentences and differentiating them from passive constructions.

Join this course to master the active and passive voices in English. Develop the skills and confidence to choose the appropriate voice, effectively convey information, express opinions, and create clear and impactful sentences in various situations.

This course includes 14 videos, 14 articles, 4 weekly quizzes, a final exam, A grace period to complete late assignments, and a certificate of completion

The Syllabus

Week 1

  • The Passive Voice: Form
  • Uses of the Active and Passive Voices
  • Changing the Active Voice to the Passive Voice
  • Noun Phrases and Pronouns Used in the Active and Passive Voices

Week 2

  • Verbs with Two Objects
  • The Active and Passive Voices of the To-Infinitive and the Gerund
  • Using the Passive Voice to Report:
  • To Have or Get Something Done

Week 3

  • Past Participial Adjectives
  • Prepositions Used with Past Participial Adjectives
  • Get + Past Participle

Week 4

  • Verbs not Usually Used in the Active or Passive Voices
  • Omissions in the Passive Voice
  • Passive Idioms

Week 5

  • Final Exam

Week 6

  • A grace period to submit late assignments

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