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State University of New York

Exercise 13: Active & Passive Voice

Each of the following sentences is written in the passive voice. Read each carefully and decide which sentences should be in the passive voice. In the space provided, rewrite the sentences that you decide would be better in the active voice. Otherwise, leave the text in the space as is. Then click the SUBMIT button to compare your answers to sample answers.

  1. The criminal was brought to justice thirteen months after he committed the unforgivable crime.

  2. The passionate politician was cheered by the delegates.

  3. The trees were covered in ice.

  4. In January, 1991, the Iraqis were attacked by the Americans.

  5. She was driven to distraction by her neighbors who ran a pizza business from their apartment.

  6. Since I last saw my chiropractor, my back exercises have been done twice a day.

  7. Saratoga Springs, New York, has been called the gateway to the Adirondacks.

  8. The same day we got our puppy, Sputnik was sent into space by the Russians.

  9. As Dad walked down the stairs, a pain in his right knee was felt.

  10. Guber made a spectacular play, but his shot that would have won him the game was blocked.