Grammar and Language Workbook

]
on the way. (be) 
18. The game was exciting, but the rain 
[
]
our vision. (obstruct)
19. Patti was tired, so she 
[
]
a nap. (take)
20. Because you don’t understand computers, I 
[
]
them to you. (explain)
Name ___________________________________________________ Class _________ Date ____________________
144 
Grammar and Language Workbook, Grade 12
Copyright © by Glencoe/McGraw-Hill
Grammar

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Unit 6, Verb Tenses, Voice, and Mood
145
Copyright © by Glencoe/McGraw-Hill
Name ___________________________________________________ Class _________ Date ____________________
Grammar
Lesson 42
Voice of Verbs
Action verbs can be in the active voice or in the passive voice. A sentence has a verb in
the 
active voice
when the subject performs the action. A verb is in the 
passive voice
when the action is performed on the subject. Although the passive voice can give variety
to your writing, the active voice is more interesting and more direct than the passive
voice, which makes for livelier writing. Form the passive voice by using the past
participle of the verb with a form of the helping verb be. 
Mr. Carter played the piano solo. (active voice)
The piano solo was played by Mr. Carter. (passive voice)
 Exercise 1
Draw two lines under each verb or verb phrase. Write A above the verb if it is
active and P if it is passive.
P
A
We were amazed that our choir won first place.
1. The play will be performed by a local company.