Name:

Active & Passive Voice

Each of the following sentences is written in the passive voice. Read each carefully
and decide which sentences should be in the passive voice. In the space provided,
rewrite the sentences that you decide would be better in the active voice. Otherwise,
leave the text in the space as is.

1. The criminal was brought to justice thirteen months after he committed the
unforgivable crime.

2. The passionate politician was cheered by the delegates.

3. The trees were covered in ice.

4. In January, 1991, the Iraqis were attacked by the Americans.

5. She was driven to distraction by her neighbors who ran a pizza business from
their apartment.

6. Since I last saw my chiropractor, my back exercises have been done twice a day.

7. Saratoga Springs, New York, has been called the gateway to the Adirondacks.

8. The same day we got our puppy, Sputnik was sent into space by the Russians

9. As Dad walked down the stairs, a pain in his right knee was felt.

10. Guber made a spectacular play, but his shot that would have won him the game
was blocked.
Active and Passive Voice: Check Your Work
Original Sentence One:
The criminal was brought to justice thirteen months after he committed the unforgivable
crime.

This sentence is fine as is.

Original Sentence Two:

The passionate politician was cheered by the delegates.

One way to change this sentence to the active voice:

The delegates cheered the passionate politician.

Original Sentence Three:

The trees were covered in ice.

This sentence is fine as is.

Original Sentence Four:

In January, 1991, the Iraqis were attacked by the Americans.

One way to change this sentence to the active voice:

In January, 1991, the Americans attacked the Iraqis.

Original Sentence Five:

She was driven to distraction by her neighbors who ran a pizza business from their
apartment.

One way to change this sentence to the active voice:

Her neighbors ran a pizza business from their apartment, which drove her to distraction.

Original Sentence Six:

Since I last saw my chiropractor, my back exercises have been done twice a day.

One way to change this sentence to the active voice:

Since I last saw my chiropractor, I've done my back exercises twice a day.

Original Sentence Seven:

Saratoga Springs, New York, has been called the gateway to the Adirondacks.

One way to change this sentence to the active voice:

Saratoga Springs, New York, is called the gateway to the Adirondacks.

Original Sentence Eight:

The same day we got our puppy, Sputnik was sent into space by the Russians.

One way to change this sentence to the active voice:

The Russians sent Sputnik into space the same day we got our puppy.

Original Sentence Nine:

As Dad walked down the stairs, a pain in his right knee was felt.

One way to change this sentence to the active voice:

As Dad walked down the stairs, he felt a pain in his right knee.

Original Sentence Ten:

Guber made a spectacular play, but his shot that would have won him the game was
blocked.
One way to change this sentence to the active voice:
Guber made a spectacular play, but his winning shot was blocked.