NCERT Class 10 English: Mastering Active and Passive Voice

Active and passive voice are two different ways to construct a sentence in English, each offering a unique perspective on the action being described. Understanding and using both voices effectively can greatly enhance your writing skills, making your Class 10 English compositions more versatile and engaging. This comprehensive guide will delve into the nuances of active and passive voice, providing you with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in your NCERT Class 10 English exam.

Understanding Active and Passive Voice

Active Voice

In active voice sentences, the subject performs the action expressed by the verb, directly affecting the object. This voice is straightforward and emphasizes the doer of the action.

Example: The cat (subject) chased (verb) the mouse (object).

Passive Voice

In passive voice sentences, the object of an action becomes the subject of the sentence. The doer of the action (if mentioned) is usually preceded by the preposition “by.” This voice focuses on the action itself or the receiver of the action.

Example: The mouse (subject) was chased (verb) by the cat (agent).

When to Use Active and Passive Voice

Active Voice Usage

• When you want to highlight the doer of the action.
• To make your writing more direct and vigorous.
• When keeping your sentences straightforward and concise is the goal.

Passive Voice Usage

• When the doer of the action is unknown or irrelevant.
• To emphasize the action or the receiver of the action.
• In scientific or formal writing where the focus is on the process or result rather than the doer.

Converting Active Voice to Passive Voice

To convert an active voice sentence to passive voice, follow these steps:

1. Identify the subject, verb, and object in the active sentence.
2. Switch the object to the subject position in the passive sentence.
3. Change the verb to its passive form (usually by adding a form of “be” before the past participle of the main verb).
4. Move the original subject to the end of the sentence, preceded by “by” (optional if the doer is clear from context or not important).
5. Adjust the tense of the “be” verb as necessary to match the original sentence’s tense.

Example Conversion:

• Active: The committee will review the application.
• Passive: The application will be reviewed by the committee.

Tips for Mastering Active and Passive Voice

• Practice Regularly: Convert sentences from active to passive voice and vice versa to gain fluency.
• Read Widely: Exposure to different writing styles can help you see how both voices are used effectively.
• Use Online Tools: Grammar checkers and educational websites offer practice exercises and quizzes.
• Seek Feedback: Have your writings reviewed by teachers or peers to correct mistakes and clarify doubts.
• Understand the Purpose: Always consider the context and purpose of your sentence before choosing the voice.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Forgetting to change the verb to its passive form.
• Omitting the “by” phrase when the doer of the action is important to the sentence.
• Misplacing the elements of the sentence, which can lead to confusion.

Conclusion

Understanding and effectively using active and passive voice are essential skills for Class 10 English students. By mastering these constructs, you can enhance the clarity, variety, and depth of your writing. Remember, the choice between active and passive voice should always be guided by your sentence’s intended focus and the overall context of your writing. With practice and attention to detail, you’ll find that choosing the right voice for your sentences becomes second nature.