12 Different Types of Active Passive Voice Verbs in Sentences

Explore the different types of advanced Active Passive Voice Verbs in Sentences through 12 comprehensive examples. This guide covers various sentence structures, illustrating the active-passive voice conversion process in English grammar. Discover transformations such as Modal Auxiliary Verbs, Complex Sentences, Transitive verbs with two objects, and more, accompanied by exercises for practice.

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Advanced Active to Passive Voice Change of Verbs in Different Sentences

Now, let’s delve into active to passive voice change across different sentence types, illustrated with specific examples:

  1. Active to Passive Voice Change of Modal Auxiliary Verbs.
  2. Active to Passive Voice Change of Complex Sentences.
  3. Active to Passive Voice Change of different Objects for transitive verbs
  4. Active to Passive Voice Change of different Objects for Intransitive verbs
  5. Active to Passive Voice Change with ‘to + Infinitive’.
  6. Active to Passive Voice Change of Verbal Nouns with Preposition & Object.
  7. Active to Passive Voice Change with Quassi-Passive verbs
  8. Active to Passive Voice Change of Verbs of Other Prepositions
  9. Active to Passive Voice Change without doer (Omission of Agent)
  10. Miscellaneous Examples of Active to Passive Voice Conversion.
  11. Advanced Active to Passive Voice Change of Verbs Examples
  12. Exercises for Practice of Advanced Active to Passive Voice Change of Verbs

Occasionally, converting between active and passive voice doesn’t adhere strictly to the typical process; there are exceptions in different types of active and passive voice verbs in sentences, which we will delve into here.

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Active Passive Voice (Rules)Active Passive Voice of all (Tenses)
Passive Voice of (Interrogative Sentences)Active to Passive (Imperative Sentences) 
Passive Voice of (Optative sentences)Active to Passive Voice Change (Advanced)
Voice Change Class 10Voice Change Class 9
Voice Change Class 8Voice Change Class 7
Voice Change Class 6Voice Change Class 5
Active Passive Voice Important (Examples)Active Passive Voice Important (Exercises)

1. Active to Passive Voice Change Examples with Modal Auxiliary Verbs

Basically, ‘Shall‘, ‘Will‘, ‘Should‘, ‘Would‘, ‘May’, ‘Might’, ‘Can‘, ‘Could‘, ‘Must‘, ‘Ought to’, and’ Used to‘ – are Modal Auxiliary Verbs in English.

The Modal Auxiliary Verbs are also called Defective Verbs.

The Modal Auxiliary Verbs or Defective Verbs cannot be used in all the ‘Moods‘ and ‘Tenses‘.

They can only be used in the Simple Present Tense and Simple Past Tense.

Passive Voice Sentence Structure with Modal Auxiliary Verbs:

Subject +  Modal Auxilary Verb + be + Main Verb (past-participle form) + by + Object.

Examples

Active VoicePassive Voice
I can do this work.This work can be done by me.
You may help your brother.Your brother may be helped by you.
He should respect his father.His father should be respected by him.
I would do physical exercise in my youth.Physical exercise would be done by me in my youth.
The teacher must punish him.He must be punished by the teacher.
You might take the book.The book might be taken by you.
we ought to help the poor.The poor ought to be helped by us.

2. Active to Passive Voice Change of Verbs in Complex Sentences

In the case of active to passive voice change of complex sentences, if both the Principal Clause and Subordinate Clause consist of transitive verbs.

  • We have to change The transitive verbs of both the Principal clauses and Subordinate Clauses.
  • Sometimes we need to use Introductory ‘it’.
Active VoicePassive Voice
I know that he did the workIt is known to me that the work was done by him./That the work was done by him is known to me.
Everybody says that you have done it.It is said by everybody that it has been done by you./That it has been done by you is said by everybody.
We hope that we will finish the job in time.It is hoped that the job will be finished by us in time.
We must endure what we cannot cure.What cannot be cured must be endured.
We know that Columbus discovered America.It is known to us that America was discovered by Columbus./That America was discovered by Columbus is known to us.
People say that one knows a tree by its fruit.It is said that a tree is known by its fruit.
It is said that they know it.Everybody says that it is known to them.

Advanced Examples of Active to Passive Voice of Complex Sentences

But in case, there is only one transitive verb in a complex sentence, the voice of that transitive verb only changes and the other remains unchanged.

Active VoiceActive Voice
I hope that she will sign in life.That she will sign in life is hoped by me.
He told me that he would come here.I was told by him that he would come here.
We all know that the sun rises in the east.It is known to us all that the sun rises in the east.

3. Active to Passive Voice Change of Verbs with different Objects for transitive verbs

A sentence can have different types of objects according to function. Objects work as an important factor for changing active to passive voice. Study the change from active to passive of transitive and intransitive with different objects.

(a) Examples of The passive voice of Transitive verbs with two objects (Retained Object)

In the case of verbs with two objects (ditransitive verbs) in the sentence, we have to make one of them as a subject in the passive voice and the other remains unchanged and we call this Retain object. Retain = Keep(something) in place.

Active VoicePassive Voice
He teaches us English.(1) English is taught to us by him.
(2) We are taught English by him.
I gave him a book.(1) He was given a book by me.
(2) A book was given to him by me.

(b) The passive voice of Transitive verbs with (Factitive Object) Examples

We can never use Factitive Object as the subject of passive voice. Factitive Objects of verbs take both an Object and a Complement. The Factitive Object is a complement to the Transitive Verbs.

Active VoicePassive Voice
They made him King.He was made King by them.
He called me a fool.I was called a fool by him.
We consider her honest.She was considered honest by us.
The members selected him as secretary.He was selected secondary by the members.
They elected him president.He was elected president by them.

(c) The passive of verbs with (Reflexive Object) Examples

We can never use Reflexive objects as the subject of the Passive voice. Passive Form: Subject + Verb + Reflexive Object. We can never use The Reflexive Object of Active Voice can never as the Subject of Passive Voice.

Active VoicePassive Voice
He killed himself.Himself was killed by him – Incorrect
He was killed by himself – Correct
Know yourself.Let you be known by yourself.- Correct
We praised ourselvesOurselves were blamed by us. – Incorrect
We were blamed ourselves. – Correct
He blamed himself.Himself was blamed by him. – Incorrect
He was blamed by himself. – Correct

4. Examples of Active to Passive Voice Change of Verbs with different Objects for Intransitive verbs

When a sentence contains a transitive verb in active voice, it is easy for us to change the sentence into passive voice. Since Intransitive verbs do not have objects, we can not use them in passive form. But the passive voice of intransitive verbs can be possible in the following cases.

(a) The Passive voice of Intransitive Verbs with (Cognate Objects) used Transitively

Normally, intransitive verbs do not have objects. But Cognate Objects can function as the object of a verb, especially of a verb that is usually intransitive, when both object and verb derive from the same root. For example,

  • Speak the speech.

Here ‘speech‘ is a cognate object as both the verb (speak) and object (speech) derive from the same root word (speak).

Active VoicePassive Voice
They run a race.A race was run by them.
I dreamt a sweet dream.A sweet dream was dreamt by me.
They laughed the last laugh.The last laugh was laughed by them.
The soldiers fought a fierce fight.A fierce fight was fought by the soldiers.

(b)The Passive voice of Intransitive Verbs (Prepositional or Group Verbs) used Transitively

Active VoicePassive Voice
Don’t laugh at the lame.The lame should not be laughed at.
You should not look down upon the poor.The poor should not be looked down upon by you.
We agreed to his proposal.His proposal was agreed to by us.
Send for the doctor.let the doctor be sent for.

5. Active to Passive Voice Change of Verbs for Infinitive (to + verb)

Structure of passive infinitive Sentences:

Subject + Auxiliary Verb + to be + Main Verb ( past participle form) +(by + Object)

Active and passive voice infinitive Sentences Examples:

Active Voice Passive voice
You have to do the work.The work has to be done by you
I have to admit my own fault.My own fault has to be admitted by me.
He has much money to spend.There is much money to be spent by him.
Today I have no time to waste.Today there is no time to be wasted by me.
They did not want to lose the game.They did not want the game to be lost (by them).
I am to attend the function.The function is to be attended by me.
You have hardly any time to lose now.You have hardly any time to be lost now.
I saw him buy the book.He was seen to buy the book by me.
They made us laugh.We were made to laugh by them.
I have seen the thief pick up the pocket of passengers.The thief has been seen by me picking the pocket of the passengers.

6. Active to Passive Voice Change of Verbs Examples of Verbal Nouns with Preposition & Object

Active Voice Passive voice
We saw the feeding of the tigers.We saw the tigers being fed.
I saw the opening of the new theatre.I saw the new theatre being opened.
A new law has been passed against the hunting of tigers.A new law has been passed against tigers being hunted.
Students have appealed for the holding of the examination a little later.Students have appealed for the examination being held a little later.
He saw the painting of this portrait.He saw this portrait being painted.
We saw the scoring of the goal.We saw the goal being scored.
I saw the bathing of the deity.I saw the deity being bathed.
We saw the opening of the showroom.We saw the showroom being opened.
A new law has been passed against the illegal felling of trees.A new law has been passed against trees being illegally felled.

7. Active to Passive Voice Change of Verbs Examples of Quassi-Passive verbs

Quassi-Passive verbs are active in form but passive in sense. Quassi-Passive verbs are of two kinds.

  • Quassi-Passive verbs with a complement
  • Quassi-Passive verbs without a complement

(a) Examples of Passive Voice Quassi-Passive verbs with a Complement:

Active VoicePassive voice
Honey tastes sweet.Honey is sweet when it is tasted.
The book reads well.The book is well when it is read.
The flower smells sweet.The flower is sweet when it is smelt.
This bed feels soft.The bed is soft when it is felt.
This word sounds good.This word is good when it is read.
Sugar sells at twenty rupees a kilogram.Sugar costs twenty rupees a kilogram when it is sold.

(b) Passive Voice Quassi-Passive verbs without a Complement:

Active VoicePassive voice
The house is building.The house is being built.
The book is printing.The book is being printed.
Mangoes are selling.Mangoes are being sold.
The drums are beating.The drums are being beaten.
The bell is ringing.The bell is being rung.
The cows are milking.The cows are being milked.
The guns are firing.The guns are being fired.

8. Examples of Active to Passive Voice Change of Verbs of Other Prepositions

The Past-Participles of some verbs are followed by prepositions like, - 'to', 'at', and 'with'.
Active VoicePassive Voice
We know the man.The man is known to me.
The singer pleased the audience.The audience was pleased with the singer.
His failure surprised us.We were surprised at his failure.
Air filled the room.The room was filled with air.
His conduct displeased the teacher.The teacher was displeased with his conduct.
This cup contains tea.Tea is contained in this cup.

9. Active to Passive Voice Change of Verbs without doer (Omission of Agent)

Active VoicePassive Voice
I have lost my book.My book has been lost (by me).
People have elected a new government.A new government has been elected (by the people).
People speak English here.English is spoken here (by people)
One should keep one’s promises.One’s promises should be kept (by someone)
Someone has stolen her purse.Her purse has been stolen (by someone).
The publisher has brought out the book.The book has been brought out (by the publishers).
The examiner has given good marks to the students.The students have been given good marks (by the examiner).
The fielder caught Virat Kohli at mid-on.Virat Kholi was caught at mid-on (by the fielder).
People should not look down upon the poor.The poor should not be looked down upon (by people).
Circumstances obliged me to go.I was obliged to go (by circumstances).

10. Miscellaneous Active to Passive Voice Change of Verbs with Different Sentences

Active VoicePassive Voice
It is time now to resume your work.It is now time for your work to be resumed.
I have been obliged to do this.Circumstances have obliged me to do this.
He hoped to win a prize.To win a prize was hoped by him.
One should keep one’s promises.Promises should be kept.
Someone has picked my pocketMy pocket has been picked.
We can gain nothing without labour.Nothing can be gained without Labour.
The box contains gold ornaments.Gold ornaments are contained in the box.
We should not encourage indiscipline.Indiscipline should not be encouraged.
People in China speak Chinese.Chinese is spoken in China.
We will not allow them to enter the room.They will not be allowed to enter the room.
People say that he is a spy.It is said that he is a spy.
We know that the earth is round.It is known that the earth is round.
You could not understand what I told him.What was told to him by me could not be understood by you.
Everybody says that morning shows the day.It is said that morning shows the day.
You cannot hope that the boys will answer all the questions correctly.It cannot be hoped that all the questions will be answered by the boys correctly.
They elected him secretary of the club.He was elected secretary of the club.
Someone will serve the food soon.The food will be served soon.

11. Advanced Active to Passive Voice Change of Verbs Examples

Active VoicePassive Voice
Readers must maintain silence in the library. Silence must be maintained in the library.
I have to admit my own fault.My own fault has to be admitted by me.
I saw him buy the book.He was seen by me to buy the book.
A new law has been passed against the hunting of Tigers.A new law has been passed against Tigers being hunted.
I have seen that he picked the pocket of the passenger.The thief has been seen by me to pick the pocket of the passenger.
We saw the opening of a showroom. (Verbal-Noun with a preposition)We saw a showroom being opened.
Mend your shoes on time.Get / Have your shoes mended.
Change this method.Get / Have this method changed.

12. Exercises for Advanced Active to Passive Voice Change of Verbs

Exercise 1:

A. Change the following sentence to passive voice for modal auxiliary verbs:

1. She can solve the problem easily.
2. They must finish the assignment by tomorrow.
3. He should have completed the project last week.
4. The documents can be signed by the manager.
5. You might have seen him at the party.
6. We ought to submit the report by Friday.
7. The repairs should be completed before winter.
8. People will discuss the proposal at the meeting.
9. The project must be finished on time.
10. The presentation could have been improved.

Exercise 2:

B. Transform the complex sentences into active to passive voice or vice versa:

1. Although she completed the project, her efforts were not acknowledged.
2. As the storm approached, they secured all outdoor furniture.
3. Since they had not received payment, the supplier refused to deliver the goods.
4. Despite having studied for hours, the exam was challenging for him.
5. Because she was late, they missed the opening ceremony.
6. While waiting for the bus, he realized he had forgotten his wallet.
7. Although the meeting had been scheduled weeks ago, it was postponed at the last minute.
8. As soon as he finished his presentation, questions were raised by the audience.
9. Despite being warned, they ignored the safety guidelines.
10. While discussing the issue, solutions were proposed by the team.

Exercise 3:

C. Convert this active sentence to passive voice with two objects:

1. She gave him a book.
2. They showed us the new prototype.
3. He sent her a gift on her birthday.
4. She told him the truth.
5. The teacher assigned us a difficult task.
6. He offered them some refreshments.
7. She handed him the keys.
8. They bought me a new laptop.
9. He showed her his latest artwork.
10. She made him a delicious cake.

Exercise 4:

D. Change the following Active Passive Voice Verbs in Sentences of ‘to + infinitive’:

1. She wants to finish the project by tomorrow.
2. They hope to announce the results next week.
3. The manager needs to approve the report.
4. The team plans to complete the task ahead of schedule.
5. He intends to submit the application today.
6. The students aim to achieve high scores in the exam.
7. She hopes to win the competition this year.
8. We need to address the issue immediately.
9. They plan to launch the new product next month.
10. The company aims to reduce costs significantly.

Exercise 5:

E. Rewrite the sentences into passive voices of transitive verbs

1. She blames herself for the mistake.
2. He taught himself to play the guitar.
3. She admitted the fault herself.
4. He completed the project himself.
5. They introduced themselves to the guests.
6. The jury found him guilty.
7. The committee elected John president.
8. They painted the house blue.
9. The town named the children heroes.
10. The CEO appointed the manager head of the department.

Exercise 6:

F. Rewrite the sentences into passive voices of Intransitive verbs

1. She dreamed a beautiful dream.
2. He lived a long life.
3. They fought a brave fight.
4. The poet sang a lovely song.
5. She danced a graceful dance.
6. She looked after the children.
7. He ran into an old friend.
8. They fell back on their savings.
9. The team called on the captain.
10. She dealt with the complaint.

Exercise 7:

G. Convert the following active Voices of Verbal Nouns with Preposition & Object

1. The project involves collaborating with international partners.
2. They talked about constructing a new bridge.
3. She insisted on submitting the report on time.
4. The committee discussed approving the new policy.
5. He apologized for breaking the vase.
6. They are considering expanding the business.
7. The board reviewed investing in new technology.
8. Hosting the conference is being looked forward to by them.
9. They thanked him for rescuing the trapped dog.
10. The lawyer argued for protecting human rights.

Exercise 8:

H. Turn the following Active Passive Voice Verbs in Sentences of Quassi-Passive verbs.

1. The book made her excited.
2. The movie left them speechless.
3. The news rendered him unconscious.
4. The speech made the audience attentive.
5. The gift made the child happy.
6. The door opened.
7. The ice melted.
8. The cake baked.
9. The car stopped.
10. The light faded.

Exercise 9:

I. Turn the following voices into passive Verbs of Other Prepositions.

1. He relies on her advice.
2. Her advice is relied upon by him.
3. They insisted on his presence.
4. She complained about the noise.
5. He spoke against the proposal.
6. They agreed upon the terms.
7. She placed the book on the table.
8. The team worked under immense pressure.
9. The chef baked the cake in the oven.
10. He spoke with confidence in the meeting.

Exercise 10:

J. Turn the following Active Passive Voice Verbs in Sentences without doer (Omission of Agent).

1. Someone stole my bike last night.
2. They repaired the road over the weekend.
3. People speak Spanish in many countries.
4. Someone cleaned the classroom after school.
5. They canceled the meeting without informing us.
6. Someone fixed the broken window yesterday.
7. They published the article online yesterday.
8. Someone prepared the report before the deadline.
9. They upgraded the software last week.
10. Someone deleted all the files by mistake.

Exercise 11:

K. Convert the following active voice into passive voice.

1. The chef cooked a delicious meal for us.
2. They built a new bridge across the river last year.
3. Someone has already booked the tickets for us.
4. They will announce the winners tomorrow.
5. She teaches English to children every weekend.
6. The company will launch a new product next month.
7. Someone should complete the report before Friday.
8. They are renovating the old building downtown.
9. Someone might have forgotten to lock the door.
10. They had sent invitations to all the guests before the event.
11. The storm damaged the crops in the field.
12. They are constructing a new highway near the city.
13. The team had already submitted their project proposal.
14. The mechanic will repair my car tomorrow.
15. She makes delicious cakes for her family every weekend.
16. Someone might be using your computer right now.
17. They have invited all the important guests to the party.
18. The company should have notified us about the change in schedule.
19. The chef prepares meals for the guests with great care.
20. They had already sold all the tickets before the concert.

Exercise 12:

L. Change the voice of the following sentences.

1. He might drive the car.
2. He says that he knows you.
3. I thought that you did it.
4. They made him secretary in the meeting.
5. He did the work himself.
6. The teacher teaches us English.
7. One should keep one’s promise.
8. We can gain nothing without labour.
9. We expect you to be faithful.
10. Guests must wear musk.
11. I dreamt a sweet dream.
12. He laughed the last laugh.
13. Correct your errors.
14. Revise your answer.
15. Let us settle the issue.
16. He blamed himself.
17. The publisher has brought out the book.
18. The book is printing.
19. We saw the scoring of the goal.
20. The book reads well.