Transitive and Intransitive verbs: Transitive verbs are verbs that have a direct object. Intransitive verbs are verbs that do not have a direct object. Intransitive verbs do not take a direct object, so they cannot be used in a passive voice construction. Passive voice requires a transitive verb. The same verb can be used as transitive and intransitive in different sentences.
•When the subject is the doer of action, we say that the sentence is in Active Voice.
•E.G 1. Ravi writes a letter. Subject- Ravi is the doer of action. He writes.
•When the subject is the receiver of action, we say that the sentence is in Passive voice.
•E.G 1. A letter is written by Ravi. Subject- A letter does not do anything. It is the receiver of action.
We use passive voice:
1.When we don’t know the doer.
E.G. The thief was caught.
2. When the action is more important than the doer.
E.G. Smoking is prohibited.
3. When we don’t want to tell who the doer is.
E.G. A mistake has been committed.
4. Passive Voice is more formal and is used in academic writing.
5. When you want to have a different perspective.
E.G. Many festivals are celebrated in India.
Simple Present Tense
A. The cat drinks milk.
P. Milk is drunk by the cat.
Subject+ is/are+ Verb-3+ by the doer.
Simple Past Tense
A. The cat drank milk.
P. Milk was drunk by the cat.
Subject + was/were + Verb3+ by the doer.
Simple Future Tense
A. The cat will drink milk.
P. Milk will be drunk by the cat
Subject + will be + Verb3 + by the doer
Present Perfect Tense
A. The cat has drunk milk.
P. Milk has been drunk by the cat
•Subject +has been/have been+ Verb3+ by the doer
Past Perfect Tense
A. The cat had drunk milk.
P. Milk had been drunk by the cat.
Subject + had been+Verb3+by the doer
Future Perfect Tense
A. The cat will have drunk milk.
P. Milk will have been drunk by the cat.
•Subject+ will have been+Verb3 + by the doer
Present Continuous Tense
A. The cat is drinking milk.
P. Milk is being drunk by the cat.
Subject + is being/are being+Verb3+by the doer.
Past Continuous Tense
A. The cat was drinking milk.
P.Milk was being drunk by the cat
Q.Subject+ was being/were being + Verb3+ by the doer.
Future Continuous Tense
The cat will be drinking milk.
P. Milk will be being drunk by the cat.
Q. Subject + will be being + Verb3 + by the doer
| Sr. No | Tense | Active Voice | Passive voice |
| 1 | Simple Present Tense | The cat drinks milk | Milk is drunk by the cat |
| 2 | Simple Past Tense | The cat drank milk. | Milk was drunk by the cat |
| 3 | Simple future Tense | The cat will drink milk. | Milk will be drunk by the cat |
| 4 | Present Continuous Tense | The cat is drinking milk | Milk is being drunk by the cat |
| 5 | Past continuous Tense | The cat was drinking milk. | Milk was being drunk by the cat |
| 6 | Future continuous Tense | The cat will be drinking milk. | Milk will be being drunk by the cat |
| 7 | Present Perfect Tense | The cat has drunk milk. | Milk has been drunk by the cat |
| 8 | Past Perfect Tense | The cat had drunk milk. | Milk had been drunk by the cat. |
| 9 | Future Perfect Tense | The cat will have drunk milk. | Milk will have been drunk by the cat. |
Q1. Identify the tense and change to passive voice:
1.The dog chased the cat.
2.Neha has cooked dinner.
3.The squirrel was cracking a nut.
4.Parents love their children dearly.
5.We planted trees in the park last year.
6.Peter will be reading books all afternoon.
7.The tortoise runs a long race.
8.I always complete my work on time.
9.The teacher had taught many lessons before retiring.
10.I was cleaning my room when you called.
11.Someone had sent me a letter earlier today.
12.We will continue our meeting after the tea break.
13.Anil has bought a new bike.
14.The tailor is making me a new shirt this week
15.I have spent all my pocket money.
16.She will have baked a cake by the time we arrive.
17.Neha will water the plants every afternoon.
18.Our guests missed the train.
19.My mother will have ironed clothes before we leave.
20.The children are helping their parents in the garden.
Q2. Change to active voice:
1.She is praised for her charms by all.
2.The thief was caught by the policeman.
3.All are surprised by your deep knowledge.
4.The orphan was being looked after by the old lady.
5.She has been annoyed at his words.
6.All the questions were answered by me.
7.Vegetables were being sold by the green grocer.
8.A meeting is being held by the manager.
9.This photo will be liked by all.
10.My watch had been stolen.