1. How can you tell the difference?
Active & Passive Voice
How can you tell the difference?

2. Active Voice
A sentence in which the subject of the sentence performs the action expressed in the verb.
Example: Romeo kissed Juliet in the elevator.

3. Passive Voice
In a sentence using passive voice, the subject is acted upon; he or she receives the action expressed by the verb.
Example: Juliet was kissed by Romeo in the elevator.

4. Romeo kissed Juliet in the elevator.
Helpful Hints
In active sentences, the subject that is performing the action comes before the verb.
Romeo kissed Juliet in the elevator.
Verb: kissed
Subject: Romeo (he is doing the kissing here)
Think “Who/what did what?” and write it in that order for active voice
Who: Romeo
What did he do?: kissed

5. Juliet was kissed by Romeo in the elevator.
Helpful Hints
In passive voice, the subject that is performing the action come after the verb.
Juliet was kissed by Romeo in the elevator.
Verb: was kissed
Subject: Romeo
**Remember to ask who is performing the action

6. Compare the Two Romeo kissed Juliet in the elevator.
Juliet was kissed by Romeo in the elevator.

7. Decide if the following sentences are written in passive or active voice
Mercutio was killed by Tybalt.
Romeo and Juliet’s families feuded for decades.
Leonardo DiCaprio performed well as Romeo.
The role of Juliet was portrayed well by Claire Danes.

8. Decide if the following sentences are written in passive or active voice
Mercutio was killed by Tybalt. (passive)
Romeo and Juliet’s families feuded for decades. (active)
Leonardo DiCaprio performed well as Romeo. (active)
The role of Juliet was portrayed well by Claire Danes. (passive)

9. Rewrite the following passive sentences in active voice
Insults were shouted by the Capulets and Montagues.
Angel wings were worn by Juliet in the movie.
Suicide will be performed by Romeo and Juliet.
***Remember to ask who is performing the action:
Subject comes before verb in active voice

10. Active Voice The Capulets and Montagues shouted insults.
Juliet wore angel wings in the movie.
Romeo and Juliet will perform suicide.