🕷️ Crawler Inspector

URL Lookup

Direct Parameter Lookup

Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 174 (from laksa085)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa174.int.ahrefs:8124/' \
  -H 'Content-Type: text/plain' \
  -H 'X-ClickHouse-Database: crawler3' \
  -H 'Authorization: Basic YXBpOg==' \
  -d 'SELECT getAhrefsURLFromUnparsed(src_unparsed) AS found_url, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(download_stamp), 0) AS crawl_time, ifNull(toUnixTimestamp(props_url_first_seen), 0) AS first_indexed_time, download_http_code AS http_code, src_unparsed AS src_unparsed, src_root_hash AS src_root_hash, history_drop_reason AS history_drop_reason, meta_title AS meta_title, meta_descriptions AS meta_descriptions, attrs_boilerpipe_text AS attrs_boilerpipe_text, attrs_markdown AS attrs_markdown, attrs_readable_markdown AS attrs_readable_markdown, meta_canonical AS meta_canonical FROM crawler3.page_info_local FINAL PREWHERE (src_root_hash, src_unparsed) IN ((getAhrefsRootHashFromUnparsed(getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.english-grammar-revolution.com/passive-verbs.html\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.english-grammar-revolution.com/passive-verbs.html\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/passive-verbs.html","crawl_time":1775715236,"first_indexed_time":1511787321,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,english-grammar-revolution!www,\/passive-verbs.html s443","src_root_hash":"3259570379166598774","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"What are passive verbs? (Passive & Active Voice)","meta_descriptions":["Passive verbs receive the action of the verb. See examples and learn about diagramming sentences that are written in the passive voice."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"You've probably heard of the terms \npassive verbs\n and \npassive voice\n, but do you know what they mean? Do you know how they relate to active verbs and the active voice?\nYou'll be relieved to know that you can understand the difference by asking just one simple question: Is the subject performing the action of the verb or receiving the action of the verb?\nIn order to understand this concept, you need to understand subjects and action verbs.\nSubjects\ntell us whom or what a sentence is about.\nMary\n sang.\nAction verbs\nshow action.\nMary\nsang\n.\nNote that this discussion doesn't include\nlinking verbs\n. Why? The topic of active and passive only relates to action verbs, and linking verbs don't show action.\nAction verbs can be written in two different \"voices.\" These voices tell us whether the subject is performing the action (active voice) or receiving the action (passive voice).\nSubject Performs the Action = Active Voice\nWhen the subject of a sentence is performing the action of the verb, the sentence is written in the active voice.\nIn the following examples, the\nsubjects\nare underlined and the\nverbs\n are in bold. Notice that the\nsubjects\n are performing the\nactions\n. \nMy \ngrandma\n made\n this scarf.\nThe \nclass\n \ntook\n the test.\nThe \nstorm\n \ndemolished\n many buildings.\nAll of those sentences have active verbs. We can also say that they are in the active voice.\nIn all of those sentences, the subject is the doer of the action. That is the only thing a sentence needs in order for it to be written in the active voice, so all of those sentences are active. \nSubject Receives the Action = Passive Voice (Passive Verb)\nWhen the subject of the sentence is receiving the action of the verb, the sentence is written in the passive voice. \nLook over the sentences below and notice that the\nsubjects\nare not doing anything. They are not performing the action of the\nverb\n. They are the ones receiving the action. \nThis \nscarf\n \nwas made\n by my grandma.\nThe \ntest\n \nwas taken\n by the class.\nMany \nbuildings\n \nwere demolished\n by the storm.\nAll of those sentences have passive verbs. We can also say that they are written in the passive voice.\nIn all of those sentences, the subject is the receiver of the action. That is the only thing a sentence needs in order for it to be written in the passive voice, so all of those sentences are passive.\nMany times, the doer of the action is written in a\nprepositional phrase\n (\nby my grandma, by the class, by the storm\n). However, passive verbs don't need to include the doer of the action. Notice that the sentences below don't tell us who or what performed the action.\nThe\nscarf\nwas made\n. \nThe\nsentence\nwas diagrammed\n. \nA\ntest\nwas taken\n.\nDid you also notice that those sentences sound really lame? That brings us to our next topic...\nShould you use active or passive verbs?\nThe active voice is stronger, snappier, and more direct than the passive voice. It highlights the doer of the action. Use the active voice in your writing as your default.  \nUse the passive voice when...\nYou don't know who performed the action.\nMy\ncar\nwas stolen\n.\nYou want to highlight the receiver of the action rather than the doer of the action.\nSteven Pinker says\n, \"The passive is the better construction when the done-to is currently the target of the reader's mental gaze.\"\nT\nhe\nsuspect\nwas arrested\n.\nYour writing is technical.\nThe hydraulic\ntest\nwas performed\nto ascertain the chemical properties of the liquid in Joe's mug.\nIt's Time For A \nQuiz!\n \nLet's see how much you know. The following quiz contains ten questions. Identify whether each sentence has a passive or active verb. \nAre you ready?\nGet Started with the Quiz Here\n *\n* This link opens a Google form with the quiz. After you answer all ten questions, you'll receive feedback letting you know which questions you got right and which questions you got wrong. Enjoy!","attrs_markdown":"[Grammar Revolution](https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/)\n\nGrammar Through Sentence Diagramming\n\nMenu\n\n- [Home](https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/)\n- [Shop](https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/products.html)\n- Basics\n  - [Parts of Speech](https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/parts-of-speech.html)\n  - [Phrases](https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/english-phrases.html)\n  - [Clauses](https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/clauses.html)\n  - [Word Lists](https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/word-lists.html)\n  - [Quizzes](https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/grammar-quizzes.html)\n  - [Learning](https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/learning-grammar.html)\n  - [Teaching](https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/teaching-grammar.html)\n- Sentences\n  - [Sentence Structure](https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/sentence-structure.html)\n  - [Sentence Types](https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/sentence-types.html)\n  - [Rules & Usage](https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/proper-grammar.html)\n  - [Punctuation](https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/punctuation-rules.html)\n- Diagramming\n  - [How to Diagram](https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/english-grammar-exercise.html)\n  - [Diagramming Index](https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/diagramming-sentences.html)\n  - [Diagramming Together](https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/diagram-a-sentence.html)\n- Site Stuff\n  - [Contact & FAQ](https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/contact.html)\n  - [About](https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/about.html)\n  - [Search](https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/sitemap.html)\n  - [Stream the Documentary](https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/grammar-revolution-documentary.html)\n- [Log In](https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/GR_Classroom_Redirect.html)\n- [Testimonials](https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/grammar-testimonials.html)\n\nJoin the [interactive Grammar & Writing Program](https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/grammar-and-writing-interactive-program.html)! We start April 20.\n\nDownload your [free grammar guide here](https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/diagram-it.html).\n## What are passive verbs?\n# What are passive verbs?\n1. [Home](https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/)\n2. [Usage & Rules](https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/proper-grammar.html)\n3. Passive or Active?\n\nYou've probably heard of the terms *passive verbs* and *passive voice*, but do you know what they mean? Do you know how they relate to active verbs and the active voice?\n\nYou'll be relieved to know that you can understand the difference by asking just one simple question: Is the subject performing the action of the verb or receiving the action of the verb?\n\nIn order to understand this concept, you need to understand subjects and action verbs.\n\n- [Subjects](https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/sentence-construction.html) tell us whom or what a sentence is about. *Mary sang.*\n\n- [Action verbs](https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/action-verbs.html) show action. *Mary sang*.\n\nNote that this discussion doesn't include [linking verbs](https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/linking-verbs.html). Why? The topic of active and passive only relates to action verbs, and linking verbs don't show action.\n\nAction verbs can be written in two different \"voices.\" These voices tell us whether the subject is performing the action (active voice) or receiving the action (passive voice).\n\n## Subject Performs the Action = Active Voice\nWhen the subject of a sentence is performing the action of the verb, the sentence is written in the active voice.\n\nIn the following examples, the subjects are underlined and the **verbs** are in bold. Notice that the subjects are performing the **actions**.\n\n*My grandma **made** this scarf.*\n\n*The class**took** the test.*\n\n*The storm**demolished** many buildings.*\n\n![Active Voice = Subject Performs the Action](https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/images\/active_voice.png)\n\nAll of those sentences have active verbs. We can also say that they are in the active voice.\n\nIn all of those sentences, the subject is the doer of the action. That is the only thing a sentence needs in order for it to be written in the active voice, so all of those sentences are active.\n\n## Subject Receives the Action = Passive Voice (Passive Verb)\nWhen the subject of the sentence is receiving the action of the verb, the sentence is written in the passive voice.\n\nLook over the sentences below and notice that the subjects are not doing anything. They are not performing the action of the **verb**. They are the ones receiving the action.\n\n*This scarf **was made** by my grandma.*\n\n*The test**was taken** by the class.*\n\n*Many buildings**were demolished** by the storm.*\n\n![Passive Voice = Subject Receives the Action](https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/images\/passive_voice.png)\n\nAll of those sentences have passive verbs. We can also say that they are written in the passive voice.\n\nIn all of those sentences, the subject is the receiver of the action. That is the only thing a sentence needs in order for it to be written in the passive voice, so all of those sentences are passive.\n\nMany times, the doer of the action is written in a [prepositional phrase](https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/prepositional-phrases.html) (*by my grandma, by the class, by the storm*). However, passive verbs don't need to include the doer of the action. Notice that the sentences below don't tell us who or what performed the action.\n\n*The scarf **was made**.*\n\n*The* *sentence* ***was diagrammed**.*\n\n*A test **was taken**.*\n\nDid you also notice that those sentences sound really lame? That brings us to our next topic...\n\n## Should you use active or passive verbs?\nThe active voice is stronger, snappier, and more direct than the passive voice. It highlights the doer of the action. Use the active voice in your writing as your default.\n\nUse the passive voice when...\n\n- You don't know who performed the action.\n\n*My car **was stolen**.*\n\n- You want to highlight the receiver of the action rather than the doer of the action. [Steven Pinker says](http:\/\/www.theatlantic.com\/magazine\/archive\/2014\/11\/passive-resistance\/380787\/), \"The passive is the better construction when the done-to is currently the target of the reader's mental gaze.\"\n\n*T**he suspect **was arrested**.*\n\n- Your writing is technical.\n\n*The hydraulic test **was performed** to ascertain the chemical properties of the liquid in Joe's mug.*\n\n### It's Time For A Quiz\\!\nLet's see how much you know. The following quiz contains ten questions. Identify whether each sentence has a passive or active verb.\n\nAre you ready?\n\n[Get Started with the Quiz Here](https:\/\/docs.google.com\/forms\/d\/e\/1FAIpQLSei6OFNCJonGqc5mHazaL7YKOkz2xFmLTYu2P_s6ZuoL2faUA\/viewform) \\*\n\n\\* This link opens a Google form with the quiz. After you answer all ten questions, you'll receive feedback letting you know which questions you got right and which questions you got wrong. Enjoy\\!\n\n![Active Voice = Subject Performs the Action Passive Voice = Subject Receives the Action](https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/images\/active_and_passive_voice.png)\n\n![Elizabeth O'Brien](https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/images\/elizabeth_23_3_round.png)\n\nHello! I'm Elizabeth O'Brien, and my goal is to get you jazzed about grammar.\n\nJoin my email list for grammar tips, diagramming fun, and updates about new lessons and resources.\n\nThis is original content from <https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/passive-verbs.html>\n\n[![The Beginner's Guide to Grammar Ebook](https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/images\/Beginners_Guide_smallshadow2.png)](https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/diagram-it.html \"Go to Free Grammar Newsletter & Ebook\")\n\nOur Free Guide Gives You A Fun Way\n\nTo Teach And Learn The Basics v\n\n[DOWNLOAD THE FREE GUIDE](https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/diagram-it.html \"Go to Free Grammar Newsletter & Ebook\")\n\n![Elizabeth O'Brien](https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/images\/ElizabethAliceRound.png)\n\nElizabeth O'Brien is the creator of Grammar Revolution.\n\nHer lessons are guaranteed to give you more confidence in your communication skills and make you smile. :)\n\n**Other Helpful Resources**\n\n- [Passive to Active (PDF)](http:\/\/www.primaryresources.co.uk\/english\/pdfs\/active.pdf)\n\n1. [Home](https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/)\n2. [Usage & Rules](https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/proper-grammar.html)\n3. Passive or Active?\n\n- [Home](https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/)\n- [Shop](https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/products.html)\n- ### Basics\n  - [Parts of Speech](https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/parts-of-speech.html)\n  - [Phrases](https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/english-phrases.html)\n  - [Clauses](https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/clauses.html)\n  - [Word Lists](https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/word-lists.html)\n  - [Quizzes](https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/grammar-quizzes.html)\n  - [Learning](https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/learning-grammar.html)\n  - [Teaching](https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/teaching-grammar.html)\n- ### Sentences\n  - [Sentence Structure](https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/sentence-structure.html)\n  - [Sentence Types](https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/sentence-types.html)\n  - [Rules & Usage](https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/proper-grammar.html)\n  - [Punctuation](https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/punctuation-rules.html)\n- ### Diagramming\n  - [How to Diagram](https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/english-grammar-exercise.html)\n  - [Diagramming Index](https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/diagramming-sentences.html)\n  - [Diagramming Together](https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/diagram-a-sentence.html)\n- ### Site Stuff\n  - [Contact & FAQ](https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/contact.html)\n  - [About](https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/about.html)\n  - [Search](https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/sitemap.html)\n  - [Stream the Documentary](https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/grammar-revolution-documentary.html)\n- [Log In](https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/GR_Classroom_Redirect.html)\n- [Testimonials](https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/grammar-testimonials.html)\n\n|   |   |   |\n|---|---|---|\n| [![book\\_circle\\_icon\\_blue](https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/images\/book_circle_icon_blue.png)](https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/diagram-it.html \"Go to Free Grammar Newsletter & Ebook\") [Free Guide](https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/diagram-it.html) | [![light\\_bulb\\_circle\\_icon\\_blue](https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/images\/light_bulb_circle_icon_blue.png)](https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/products.html \"Go to Teach and learn grammar the easy way. \") [Courses](https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/products.html) | [![computer\\_circle\\_icon\\_blue](https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/images\/computer_circle_icon_blue.png)](https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/sitemap.html \"Go to English-Grammar-Revolution.com Sitemap. Find It Here!\") [site Search](https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/site-search.html) |\n\n***\n[Home](https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/)  [BLOG](https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/English-grammar-blog.html)[SHOP](https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/products.html) [Contact](https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/contact.html) [PRIVACY POLICY](https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/privacy-policy.html) [Your Purchases](https:\/\/www.grammar-revolution-classroom.com\/)\n\nCopyright © 2009 - 2026 Grammar Revolution. All Rights Reserved.\n\n[RSS](https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/English-grammar.xml) [INSTAGRAM](https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/grammarrevolution\/)\n***","attrs_readable_markdown":"You've probably heard of the terms *passive verbs* and *passive voice*, but do you know what they mean? Do you know how they relate to active verbs and the active voice?\n\nYou'll be relieved to know that you can understand the difference by asking just one simple question: Is the subject performing the action of the verb or receiving the action of the verb?\n\nIn order to understand this concept, you need to understand subjects and action verbs.\n\n- [Subjects](https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/sentence-construction.html) tell us whom or what a sentence is about. *Mary sang.*\n\n- [Action verbs](https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/action-verbs.html) show action. *Mary sang*.\n\nNote that this discussion doesn't include [linking verbs](https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/linking-verbs.html). Why? The topic of active and passive only relates to action verbs, and linking verbs don't show action.\n\nAction verbs can be written in two different \"voices.\" These voices tell us whether the subject is performing the action (active voice) or receiving the action (passive voice).\n\nSubject Performs the Action = Active Voice\n\nWhen the subject of a sentence is performing the action of the verb, the sentence is written in the active voice.\n\nIn the following examples, the subjects are underlined and the **verbs** are in bold. Notice that the subjects are performing the **actions**.\n\n*My grandma **made** this scarf.*\n\n*The class**took** the test.*\n\n*The storm**demolished** many buildings.*\n\n![Active Voice = Subject Performs the Action](https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/images\/active_voice.png)\n\nAll of those sentences have active verbs. We can also say that they are in the active voice.\n\nIn all of those sentences, the subject is the doer of the action. That is the only thing a sentence needs in order for it to be written in the active voice, so all of those sentences are active.\n\nSubject Receives the Action = Passive Voice (Passive Verb)\n\nWhen the subject of the sentence is receiving the action of the verb, the sentence is written in the passive voice.\n\nLook over the sentences below and notice that the subjects are not doing anything. They are not performing the action of the **verb**. They are the ones receiving the action.\n\n*This scarf **was made** by my grandma.*\n\n*The test**was taken** by the class.*\n\n*Many buildings**were demolished** by the storm.*\n\n![Passive Voice = Subject Receives the Action](https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/images\/passive_voice.png)\n\nAll of those sentences have passive verbs. We can also say that they are written in the passive voice.\n\nIn all of those sentences, the subject is the receiver of the action. That is the only thing a sentence needs in order for it to be written in the passive voice, so all of those sentences are passive.\n\nMany times, the doer of the action is written in a [prepositional phrase](https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/prepositional-phrases.html) (*by my grandma, by the class, by the storm*). However, passive verbs don't need to include the doer of the action. Notice that the sentences below don't tell us who or what performed the action.\n\n*The scarf **was made**.*\n\n*The* *sentence* ***was diagrammed**.*\n\n*A test **was taken**.*\n\nDid you also notice that those sentences sound really lame? That brings us to our next topic...\n\nShould you use active or passive verbs?\n\nThe active voice is stronger, snappier, and more direct than the passive voice. It highlights the doer of the action. Use the active voice in your writing as your default.\n\nUse the passive voice when...\n\n- You don't know who performed the action.\n\n*My car **was stolen**.*\n\n- You want to highlight the receiver of the action rather than the doer of the action. [Steven Pinker says](http:\/\/www.theatlantic.com\/magazine\/archive\/2014\/11\/passive-resistance\/380787\/), \"The passive is the better construction when the done-to is currently the target of the reader's mental gaze.\"\n\n*T**he suspect **was arrested**.*\n\n- Your writing is technical.\n\n*The hydraulic test **was performed** to ascertain the chemical properties of the liquid in Joe's mug.*\n\nIt's Time For A Quiz\\!\n\nLet's see how much you know. The following quiz contains ten questions. Identify whether each sentence has a passive or active verb.\n\nAre you ready?\n\n[Get Started with the Quiz Here](https:\/\/docs.google.com\/forms\/d\/e\/1FAIpQLSei6OFNCJonGqc5mHazaL7YKOkz2xFmLTYu2P_s6ZuoL2faUA\/viewform) \\*\n\n\\* This link opens a Google form with the quiz. After you answer all ten questions, you'll receive feedback letting you know which questions you got right and which questions you got wrong. Enjoy\\!\n\n![Active Voice = Subject Performs the Action Passive Voice = Subject Receives the Action](https:\/\/www.english-grammar-revolution.com\/images\/active_and_passive_voice.png)","meta_canonical":null}

3. Robots.txt Check

Query:

Response:

4. Spam/Ban Check

Query:

Response:

5. Seen Status Check

ℹ️ Skipped - page is already crawled

📄

INDEXABLE

✅

CRAWLED

2 days ago

🤖

ROBOTS ALLOWED

Page Info Filters

Filter	Status	Condition	Details
HTTP status	PASS	`download_http_code = 200`	HTTP 200
Age cutoff	PASS	`download_stamp > now() - 6 MONTH`	0.1 months ago
History drop	PASS	`isNull(history_drop_reason)`	No drop reason
Spam/ban	PASS	`fh_dont_index != 1 AND ml_spam_score = 0`	ml_spam_score=0
Canonical	PASS	`meta_canonical IS NULL OR = '' OR = src_unparsed`	Not set

Page Details

Property	Value
URL	https://www.english-grammar-revolution.com/passive-verbs.html
Last Crawled	2026-04-09 06:13:56 (2 days ago)
First Indexed	2017-11-27 12:55:21 (8 years ago)
HTTP Status Code	200
Meta Title	What are passive verbs? (Passive & Active Voice)
Meta Description	Passive verbs receive the action of the verb. See examples and learn about diagramming sentences that are written in the passive voice.
Meta Canonical	null
Boilerpipe Text	You've probably heard of the terms passive verbs and passive voice , but do you know what they mean? Do you know how they relate to active verbs and the active voice? You'll be relieved to know that you can understand the difference by asking just one simple question: Is the subject performing the action of the verb or receiving the action of the verb? In order to understand this concept, you need to understand subjects and action verbs. Subjects tell us whom or what a sentence is about. Mary sang. Action verbs show action. Mary sang . Note that this discussion doesn't include linking verbs . Why? The topic of active and passive only relates to action verbs, and linking verbs don't show action. Action verbs can be written in two different "voices." These voices tell us whether the subject is performing the action (active voice) or receiving the action (passive voice). Subject Performs the Action = Active Voice When the subject of a sentence is performing the action of the verb, the sentence is written in the active voice. In the following examples, the subjects are underlined and the verbs are in bold. Notice that the subjects are performing the actions . My grandma made this scarf. The class took the test. The storm demolished many buildings. All of those sentences have active verbs. We can also say that they are in the active voice. In all of those sentences, the subject is the doer of the action. That is the only thing a sentence needs in order for it to be written in the active voice, so all of those sentences are active. Subject Receives the Action = Passive Voice (Passive Verb) When the subject of the sentence is receiving the action of the verb, the sentence is written in the passive voice. Look over the sentences below and notice that the subjects are not doing anything. They are not performing the action of the verb . They are the ones receiving the action. This scarf was made by my grandma. The test was taken by the class. Many buildings were demolished by the storm. All of those sentences have passive verbs. We can also say that they are written in the passive voice. In all of those sentences, the subject is the receiver of the action. That is the only thing a sentence needs in order for it to be written in the passive voice, so all of those sentences are passive. Many times, the doer of the action is written in a prepositional phrase ( by my grandma, by the class, by the storm ). However, passive verbs don't need to include the doer of the action. Notice that the sentences below don't tell us who or what performed the action. The scarf was made . The sentence was diagrammed . A test was taken . Did you also notice that those sentences sound really lame? That brings us to our next topic... Should you use active or passive verbs? The active voice is stronger, snappier, and more direct than the passive voice. It highlights the doer of the action. Use the active voice in your writing as your default. Use the passive voice when... You don't know who performed the action. My car was stolen . You want to highlight the receiver of the action rather than the doer of the action. Steven Pinker says , "The passive is the better construction when the done-to is currently the target of the reader's mental gaze." T he suspect was arrested . Your writing is technical. The hydraulic test was performed to ascertain the chemical properties of the liquid in Joe's mug. It's Time For A Quiz! Let's see how much you know. The following quiz contains ten questions. Identify whether each sentence has a passive or active verb. Are you ready? Get Started with the Quiz Here * * This link opens a Google form with the quiz. After you answer all ten questions, you'll receive feedback letting you know which questions you got right and which questions you got wrong. Enjoy!
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We start April 20. Download your [free grammar guide here](https://www.english-grammar-revolution.com/diagram-it.html). ## What are passive verbs? # What are passive verbs? 1. [Home](https://www.english-grammar-revolution.com/) 2. [Usage & Rules](https://www.english-grammar-revolution.com/proper-grammar.html) 3. Passive or Active? You've probably heard of the terms passive verbs and passive voice, but do you know what they mean? Do you know how they relate to active verbs and the active voice? You'll be relieved to know that you can understand the difference by asking just one simple question: Is the subject performing the action of the verb or receiving the action of the verb? In order to understand this concept, you need to understand subjects and action verbs. - [Subjects](https://www.english-grammar-revolution.com/sentence-construction.html) tell us whom or what a sentence is about. Mary sang. - [Action verbs](https://www.english-grammar-revolution.com/action-verbs.html) show action. Mary sang. Note that this discussion doesn't include [linking verbs](https://www.english-grammar-revolution.com/linking-verbs.html). Why? The topic of active and passive only relates to action verbs, and linking verbs don't show action. Action verbs can be written in two different "voices." These voices tell us whether the subject is performing the action (active voice) or receiving the action (passive voice). ## Subject Performs the Action = Active Voice When the subject of a sentence is performing the action of the verb, the sentence is written in the active voice. In the following examples, the subjects are underlined and the verbs are in bold. Notice that the subjects are performing the actions. My grandma made* this scarf.* The classtook* the test.* The stormdemolished* many buildings.* ![Active Voice = Subject Performs the Action](https://www.english-grammar-revolution.com/images/active_voice.png) All of those sentences have active verbs. We can also say that they are in the active voice. In all of those sentences, the subject is the doer of the action. That is the only thing a sentence needs in order for it to be written in the active voice, so all of those sentences are active. ## Subject Receives the Action = Passive Voice (Passive Verb) When the subject of the sentence is receiving the action of the verb, the sentence is written in the passive voice. Look over the sentences below and notice that the subjects are not doing anything. They are not performing the action of the verb. They are the ones receiving the action. This scarf was made* by my grandma.* The testwas taken* by the class.* Many buildingswere demolished* by the storm.* ![Passive Voice = Subject Receives the Action](https://www.english-grammar-revolution.com/images/passive_voice.png) All of those sentences have passive verbs. We can also say that they are written in the passive voice. In all of those sentences, the subject is the receiver of the action. That is the only thing a sentence needs in order for it to be written in the passive voice, so all of those sentences are passive. Many times, the doer of the action is written in a [prepositional phrase](https://www.english-grammar-revolution.com/prepositional-phrases.html) (by my grandma, by the class, by the storm). However, passive verbs don't need to include the doer of the action. Notice that the sentences below don't tell us who or what performed the action. The scarf was made. The sentence *was diagrammed.* A test was taken. Did you also notice that those sentences sound really lame? That brings us to our next topic... ## Should you use active or passive verbs? The active voice is stronger, snappier, and more direct than the passive voice. It highlights the doer of the action. Use the active voice in your writing as your default. Use the passive voice when... - You don't know who performed the action. My car was stolen. - You want to highlight the receiver of the action rather than the doer of the action. [Steven Pinker says](http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2014/11/passive-resistance/380787/), "The passive is the better construction when the done-to is currently the target of the reader's mental gaze." The suspect was arrested. - Your writing is technical. The hydraulic test was performed* to ascertain the chemical properties of the liquid in Joe's mug.* ### It's Time For A Quiz\! Let's see how much you know. The following quiz contains ten questions. Identify whether each sentence has a passive or active verb. Are you ready? [Get Started with the Quiz Here](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSei6OFNCJonGqc5mHazaL7YKOkz2xFmLTYu2P_s6ZuoL2faUA/viewform) \* \* This link opens a Google form with the quiz. After you answer all ten questions, you'll receive feedback letting you know which questions you got right and which questions you got wrong. Enjoy\! ![Active Voice = Subject Performs the Action Passive Voice = Subject Receives the Action](https://www.english-grammar-revolution.com/images/active_and_passive_voice.png) ![Elizabeth O'Brien](https://www.english-grammar-revolution.com/images/elizabeth_23_3_round.png) Hello! I'm Elizabeth O'Brien, and my goal is to get you jazzed about grammar. Join my email list for grammar tips, diagramming fun, and updates about new lessons and resources. This is original content from <https://www.english-grammar-revolution.com/passive-verbs.html> [![The Beginner's Guide to Grammar Ebook](https://www.english-grammar-revolution.com/images/Beginners_Guide_smallshadow2.png)](https://www.english-grammar-revolution.com/diagram-it.html "Go to Free Grammar Newsletter & Ebook") Our Free Guide Gives You A Fun Way To Teach And Learn The Basics v [DOWNLOAD THE FREE GUIDE](https://www.english-grammar-revolution.com/diagram-it.html "Go to Free Grammar Newsletter & Ebook") ![Elizabeth O'Brien](https://www.english-grammar-revolution.com/images/ElizabethAliceRound.png) Elizabeth O'Brien is the creator of Grammar Revolution. Her lessons are guaranteed to give you more confidence in your communication skills and make you smile. :) Other Helpful Resources - [Passive to Active (PDF)](http://www.primaryresources.co.uk/english/pdfs/active.pdf) 1. [Home](https://www.english-grammar-revolution.com/) 2. [Usage & Rules](https://www.english-grammar-revolution.com/proper-grammar.html) 3. 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Readable Markdown	You've probably heard of the terms passive verbs and passive voice, but do you know what they mean? Do you know how they relate to active verbs and the active voice? You'll be relieved to know that you can understand the difference by asking just one simple question: Is the subject performing the action of the verb or receiving the action of the verb? In order to understand this concept, you need to understand subjects and action verbs. - [Subjects](https://www.english-grammar-revolution.com/sentence-construction.html) tell us whom or what a sentence is about. Mary sang. - [Action verbs](https://www.english-grammar-revolution.com/action-verbs.html) show action. Mary sang. Note that this discussion doesn't include [linking verbs](https://www.english-grammar-revolution.com/linking-verbs.html). Why? The topic of active and passive only relates to action verbs, and linking verbs don't show action. Action verbs can be written in two different "voices." These voices tell us whether the subject is performing the action (active voice) or receiving the action (passive voice). Subject Performs the Action = Active Voice When the subject of a sentence is performing the action of the verb, the sentence is written in the active voice. In the following examples, the subjects are underlined and the verbs are in bold. Notice that the subjects are performing the actions. My grandma made* this scarf.* The classtook* the test.* The stormdemolished* many buildings.* ![Active Voice = Subject Performs the Action](https://www.english-grammar-revolution.com/images/active_voice.png) All of those sentences have active verbs. We can also say that they are in the active voice. In all of those sentences, the subject is the doer of the action. That is the only thing a sentence needs in order for it to be written in the active voice, so all of those sentences are active. Subject Receives the Action = Passive Voice (Passive Verb) When the subject of the sentence is receiving the action of the verb, the sentence is written in the passive voice. Look over the sentences below and notice that the subjects are not doing anything. They are not performing the action of the verb. They are the ones receiving the action. This scarf was made* by my grandma.* The testwas taken* by the class.* Many buildingswere demolished* by the storm.* ![Passive Voice = Subject Receives the Action](https://www.english-grammar-revolution.com/images/passive_voice.png) All of those sentences have passive verbs. We can also say that they are written in the passive voice. In all of those sentences, the subject is the receiver of the action. That is the only thing a sentence needs in order for it to be written in the passive voice, so all of those sentences are passive. Many times, the doer of the action is written in a [prepositional phrase](https://www.english-grammar-revolution.com/prepositional-phrases.html) (by my grandma, by the class, by the storm). However, passive verbs don't need to include the doer of the action. Notice that the sentences below don't tell us who or what performed the action. The scarf was made. The sentence *was diagrammed.* A test was taken. Did you also notice that those sentences sound really lame? That brings us to our next topic... Should you use active or passive verbs? The active voice is stronger, snappier, and more direct than the passive voice. It highlights the doer of the action. Use the active voice in your writing as your default. Use the passive voice when... - You don't know who performed the action. My car was stolen. - You want to highlight the receiver of the action rather than the doer of the action. [Steven Pinker says](http://www.theatlantic.com/magazine/archive/2014/11/passive-resistance/380787/), "The passive is the better construction when the done-to is currently the target of the reader's mental gaze." The suspect was arrested. - Your writing is technical. The hydraulic test was performed* to ascertain the chemical properties of the liquid in Joe's mug.* It's Time For A Quiz\! Let's see how much you know. The following quiz contains ten questions. Identify whether each sentence has a passive or active verb. Are you ready? [Get Started with the Quiz Here](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSei6OFNCJonGqc5mHazaL7YKOkz2xFmLTYu2P_s6ZuoL2faUA/viewform) \* \* This link opens a Google form with the quiz. After you answer all ten questions, you'll receive feedback letting you know which questions you got right and which questions you got wrong. Enjoy\! ![Active Voice = Subject Performs the Action Passive Voice = Subject Receives the Action](https://www.english-grammar-revolution.com/images/active_and_passive_voice.png)
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