Active and passive voice in English
Sign up for free to get all information about private lessons and our available group courses (A1, A2, B2, B2, C1, C2)
Sign up for free Course informationsSign up for free to get all information about private lessons and our available group courses (A1, A2, B2, B2, C1, C2)
Sign up for free Course informationsWe offer both private lessons and organized group courses
Sign up for free to get all available courses or contact one of our teachers yourself!
Our offer
This chapter will discuss the active and passive voice in English, these are not tenses. However, the verbs in the passive and active voice can be conjugated to all the tenses, for example present simple or past perfect. Active and passive voice is about the structure of the sentence and differ in who is performing the action in the sentence.
In the active voice, also known as direct voice, a subject performs an action.
Examples:
Structure: Subject + main verb + receiver of action.
Take online language lessons with a professional teacher
The passive voice is used to put more stress on the action and not on the persons that perform the actions. The passive voice is mostly used when it is not important who performed the action.
Examples:
The passive voice is formed with the auxiliary verb 'to be' and the past participle of the main verb.
Structure: Subject + verb 'to be' + past participle of the main verb
Subject | Main verb | Object | |
---|---|---|---|
Active voice | A car | hit | the dog |
Passive voice | The dog | was hit | by a car |
The difference between active and passive voice in different tenses is shown in the table below.
Verb tenses | Active voice | Passive voice |
---|---|---|
Simple Present | Joe writes a letter. | A letter is written by Joe. |
Present Continous | My sister is keeping my house tidy. | My house is being kept tidy by my sister. |
Simple Past | The government built a school. | A school was built by the government. |
Past Continous | The band was singing my favourite song. | My favourite song was being sung by me. |
Present Perfect | The earthquake has destroyed the whole city. | The whole city has been destroyed by the earthquake. |
Past perfect | Michael had published an article. | An article had been published by Michael. |
Simple Future | My mother will keep our dog. | The dog will be kept by my mother. |
Conditional Present | If you told me, I would keep your secret. | If you told me, your secret would be kept. |
Conditional Past | I would have repaired your bicycle here if you had left it with me. | Your bicycle would have been repaired here if you had left it with me. |
To transform an active sentence into a passive one, the steps below have to be followed:
Active | Explanation | Passive |
---|---|---|
She wears a blue sweater. |
| A blue sweater is worn by her. |
My father is painting the wall. |
| The wall is being painted by my father. |
She cooks our dinner. |
| Our dinner is cooked by her. |
Train your skills by doing the exercises below!
Unlike in other platforms, all our teachers are manually verified by our professional team. Trust in the experiences of our students.
My way of teaching is based on my over 30 years of experience. After spending many years providing my students with a lot of grammar rules I decided to start providing them with the necessary tools that support them in breaking down both linguistic and psychological barriers, improving their confidence, building the correct communication code of the language thus lowering frustration and increasing motivation.
My students are happy with such method as they enjoy each and every lesson and never feel under pressure.
I want English to be learnt naturally with the right commitment but with no frustration.
I love my job and I am totally committed to what I do, while continuously working on new material and on finding the best way to keep my students engaged.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Patricia has over 30 years of teaching experience. She is very passionate about her job and is eager to help you study. She is very kind and patient. Furthermore, she has written her own English book and teaches very interactive classes.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
I am very good with beginners and intermediate students. I help with pronunciation, learning new vocabulary and grammar. I always offer corrections and offer endless speaking opportunities.
I enjoy teaching and more than anything I enjoy teaching English, but as much as I teach I am always looking for an opportunity to learn. I allow myself to learn something from my students as many times as they are willing to teach. Together with my students, we create an atmosphere of on-going conversation around our class topic.
I have a Bachelor of English degree, as well as a 120-HOUR TEFL Certificate. I am mostly fluent in English, as it has the language medium throughout my entire life and school career.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
My experience with teacher Comfort was excellent. She is patient, kind and explains in a way that is very easy to understand, giving you support tools for learning. I highly recommend her. Thank you so much Comfort.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
I’m French, currently living in the Netherlands.
I lived in Paris for almost twenty years, and I know very well my country (and of course my language, French, my mother tongue). I taught French for two years in Spain, conversation class about culture essentially.
In Paris, I was Spanish teacher, I have the Agregation degree which is the highest degree for teaching in France, I'm bilingual. I've participated too in several editorial projects about Spanish teaching and DELE preparation.
I have a Spanish Studies Master and I'm currently doing a research about the Spanish and Sefardi Judaism.
I have a French as foreign language and a Religious Studies Masters too.
I enjoy sharing what I know. I’m a very eclectic person and curious about everything. To give you an idea, my interest (and sometimes hobbies) are: philosophy, spirituality and religions in general, meditation, psychology and psychoanalysis, history, geography, literature, writing (in particular creative writing, and I’m used to write everyday), art (painting, photography), sciences (vulgarisation level) and cultural matters in general. I travel a lot (as a backpacker), sometimes by foot, and the places I know well are France, the Netherlands, Italy and Serbia.
One of my qualities is my capacity of adaptation, I enjoy preparing documents to help the student to acquire autonomy, but I love speaking too, and it’s the best way to learn a language.
I'm waiting for your message, please when contact me, explain quickly who you are, why you want to study French and what you are looking for exactly.
See you soon.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Rosa is an excellent teacher, clear in explanations, attentive to the student's goals, with a vast culture that enriches the conversation in the language.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
I am a BA in Education graduate, with vast experience in primary, secondary and higher education levels, as well as in other activities related to education. I believe I have a diverse background which makes me a very adaptable teacher and with a lot to offer.
Most of my experience is in high school ,in adult education and university students. I have been able to develop a good relationship with my students, which has translated to better communication and an altogether more rounded experience for them and myself. My lesson planning has always aimed to reflect my students’ needs and interest applied into useful communicative language structures that they can actually use in their lives.
In my last years as a teacher, I have focused on preparing test-takers for the TOEFL. It has been a completely different experience from what I have had before, but I have helped my students accomplish the desired scores in the proposed time.
I believe in making the learning of a new language something exciting and not frightening at all, but challenging and gratifying instead. My material is dynamic and keeps my students engaged and continuesly developing their communiation skills.
I am flexible with my students' time and shcedule; naturally, it is open for deliberation if needed. I look forward to helping you get to the desired goals you set foryourself!
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Daniel is great!He was very kind in every lesson, and patient in explaining things to me that I did not understand. very easy to understand !! I definitely want to continue taking classes with him!
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Amy is an enthusiastic new teacher who is eager to learn you the Russian language. She is very patient. She teaches to the levels A1, A2 and B1. You will for sure feel comfortable in her class!
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hello! I am a CELTA-qualified native English teacher offering lessons carefully tailored to your needs. Learn by dynamic conversation exchange, written pieces, songs lyrics, podcasts, and fun and challenging exercises. Try out a trial lesson and let’s work together to bring you closer to your English language goals!
- Intermediate Italian and Spanish speaker -
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Melissa is a great teacher. The lessons are just what I was looking for: conversation, writting, grammar..
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
I have a total of 9 years of experience, teaching a variety of subjects, especially Business and English to all age groups. I have taught in the classroom setting as well as online. I have been teaching English as a second language online for over a year now.
I use creative teaching methods, through case studies and simulated scenarios that are related to everyday life activities. Using a blend of visual, auditory and kinesthetic methods, I ensure that students with different learning needs are catered for. I also use lots of realia and TPR for my younger students. Assignments and homework are always related to the material covered in class to ensure continued learning and practice.
Feel free to join me for a fun and engaging class with lots of smiles! :)
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Rhoda has 9 years of teaching experience. She teaches for all levels (A1 to C2), she also teaches business language. She has experience in working online and gives interactive class.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hello!
Do you want to learn Italian from zero or improve your language level? Do you need to pass a language certification's exam?
My name is Alessio, and I am and experienced Italian instructor with passion for my job.
Contact me, and we can discuss together a customized plan of lessons.
Alessio
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
I learn Italian with Alessio and I would say that it's a great experience. He is a very thoughtful teacher who puts a lot of thought into how he presents the material. He paces me just right so I feel myself challenged but not overwhelmed. His lessons are engaging, useful, and he is very patient. I would highly recommend him to anyone interested in learning Italian.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
*I graduted from Marmara University (Top university in Turkey for Turkish language and literature teaching).
*I'm native Turkish language teacher.
*I worked at international colleges, language courses and online teaching platforms since 2005.
**I'm writing doctorate thesis about teaching Turkish to foreigners.
*I wrote many Turkish language course books and story books for foreigners.
*I use many effecting teaching methods in my lesson.
*I can understand your needs and create lessons.
*I had more than 2500 foreign students (65+ nationalities) before.
*You can learn all language skills (speaking, reading, writing, listening), grammar and vocabulary.
*Personalized lesson for your needs.
*Sending lesson note end of each lesson (Word or pdf)
*Special videos, presentations, activities, overwievs for all topics
*Sending free materials (Books, exercises, videos, lesson notes)
*Writing online level exam
*Having certificate end of the course (optional)
*Speak and write fluently in a short time. You understand well what you read and listen.
*Homework after each lesson
*I can create the course content according to your request.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Murat has over 15 years of teaching experience. He has a variety of learning materials. He has written several learning books and video's to go along with it. Furthermore, he is well-prepared and patient.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Valerie has over 17 years of teaching experience. She is also a DEFL examinator. This makes her the perfect person to help you prepare for an exam. She is very kind and patient, and you will surely learn a lot from her!
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
I hold a MA in Language Didactics and New Technologies in Language Communication. I am native Greek speaker and also I speak fluently in English. I also know French in intermidiate level and I am basic user of Russian language.
I am teaching Greek language as a foreign language and also I'm teaching ancient Greek language. I have knowledge and expertise in intercultural education. I received further education on multilingual and multicultural subjects, as well as practice on how to influence students to improve their perspectives through activities or suitable educational material.
My interest for continuing education and self-training led me to attend online courses on translation and translation tools. Through this year I gained knowledge about this skill and I am always trying to improve my translation skills.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Vasiliki is an experience in teaching who has taught in several different fields. She teaches all levels from A1 to C2. She is very patient, organized and has lots of different learning materials.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Vasiliki Z.Thank you very much !
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Dear all,
Would you like to learn a new language such as Italian, English or Spanish in a smooth, accessible and fun way? Then, it would be a great idea to embark on an exciting journey together!
My big priority is to make sure that my students will learn a new language and get much more familiar with a new culture as fast as possible by doing dynamic and funny activities which suit everyone’s needs and passions. Song lyrics, texts from your favourite books, literature, parts of movies, news, TV series, traditional recipes may be only some of the instruments that we can use in order to make the learning process more efficient and focused on using the new language in different fields.
I have a Bachelor’s degree in Languages and Literature from the University of Verona (Italy) and a Master’s Degree, cum Laude, in Languages and Media from the University ‘Cattolica’ in Milan (Italy) and Chapman University in Orange, California (USA).
If you are a proper beginner, if you already know a few words but you don’t dare to speak to anyone yet, if you are already very confident with the language but you still want to get to a higher level of proficiency, if you want to know better about one of these cultures, than this is a perfect course for you.
A nice introductory chat can help both of us to understand which is the starting level and which is the goal of the course in order to tailor a proper class according to your need.
Join the course and you will be immediately immersed in a new culture and in a heartbeat you will speak a new language!
See you soon!
Maddalena
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
She's very smart, professional, and pretty. She quickly understood my need as a learner and I had fun talking with her. She creates an atmosphere in class that makes students feel free to speak. Will book again.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Hi, my name is Veronika.
I am a native Russian language speaker who is certified in teaching Russian as a foreign language. I am a member of Association for Language Learning and I hold a degree in Journalism as well as a Master’s in Philological Sciences.
I have lived in the UK since 2012 and have taught Russian at different levels both face to face and online. I understand the challenges of learning a language and the importance of classes that are both enjoyable and enable good progress. All my lessons are therefore planned according to individual needs using textbooks as well as my own materials and authentic Russian language sources.
I have always been interested in language acquisition, passionate about teaching and highly focused upon helping learners achieve their language goals.
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Veronika has over 9 years of teaching experience. She is very patient and adjust her classes to the needs of each individual student of hers. She is kind, and you'll surely feel comfortable in her classes.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Let me help you improve your English for any purpose. I am a native English speaker with a Master's degree in English, a Bachelor of Science degree and a CELTA teaching qualification.
I have been teaching for four years. As a copy-editor, I have been helping people improve their written English for over ten years (so yes, I can edit documents for you). Interviews: send me your CV and the job description and I will help you prepare.
Ready for certification? I will help you get ready for English language proficiency exams (TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, OET, C1 (CAE), C2 (CPE).)
We CAN meet free of charge (just book a FREE CHAT for 20 minutes) to discuss your learning needs/my teaching methods and to start talking.
It is useful if you take a quick online test to establish a starting point: https://www.cambridgeenglish.org/test-your-english/general-english/ Please let me know the results A1/2 B1/2 C1/2.
If you need to reschedule, please do so 24 hours in advance to avoid being charged.
NB If you are writing a test like IELTS or TOEFL 'in a month or two' and you need to obtain a minimum score to enter a university, remember that according to education bodies like British Council and Cambridge English, it takes an average of 120-130 lesson hours to move from one level or band to the next. So with 'one or two' months, you need to already be at B2 or Upper Intermediate level to start preparing.
For B2-C2 level students who enjoy photography: Would you would like to improve your English conversation and your photography? In a typical lesson, you will show me your latest photos and describe how and why you took them. Then we will discuss how photos are assessed in photographic competitions and, if necessary, we can go over the essentials of using a digital camera (although it's perfectly fine if you use your mobile phone to take photos).
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Sandra is a very experienced and kind teacher. She is amazing at making you feel at ease, so that you can really enjoy your class and focus on your learning. She provides great learning materials and organises the lesson according to your needs and level.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
- Learn with a native English speaker: MA in Special Needs, PGCE, CELTA
- Advance essential skills: speaking, reading, listening comprehension, writing
- Prepare for TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, exam with confidence
- Homework assistance for primary and secondary students in bilingual schools
- Well-prepared lessons with abundant teaching resources
- Personalised strategy ans structured lessons
- Helpful suggestions for practicing at home
- Choose a lesson package that works for you
- Please indicate your city/country/time zone in your lesson request
Reviews
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials
Kiranjit has over 10 years of teaching experience. She has experience in preparing several English exams like the IELTS. She has teaches to all ages and levels (A1-C2). Furthermore, she has lots of useful learning materials.
This review was written by a coLanguage team member during a manual screening of this teacher profile.
Review
Teaching methodology
Communication
Punctuality
Internet connection
Learning materials