Correcting Passive Voice

Active vs. passive

Would you change the following sentences? If not, why not? Rewrite those that need clarification.


1. The points of the lecture were quickly learned by the students, but they were also quickly forgotten.

Just as quickly as the students learned the points from the lecture, they forgot them.


2. Later in the day, the employees were informed of the layoffs by the boss himself.

The boss informed the employees of the layoffs later in the day.


3. With five seconds left, a three-point shot was missed by LeBron James.

LeBron James missed a three-point shot with five seconds left.


4. Participants in the survey were asked about their changes in political affiliation.

Participants in the survey answered questions about their changes in political affiliation.


5. Tall buildings and mountain roads were avoided by Raoul because he had such a fear of heights.

Raoul avoided tall buildings and mountain roads because he was scared of heights.

6. The bill is being considered by the Legislature.

Legislature is considering the bill.

7. The practice of covering up mistakes has been pursued by the government.

The government is pursuing the practice of covering up mistakes.

8. The class is reading the book.

This does not need to be changed.