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Raw Queries and Responses

1. Shard Calculation

Query:

Response:

Calculated Shard: 16 (from laksa003)

2. Crawled Status Check

Query:

curl -X POST \
  'http://laksa016.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.grammar-monster.com/glossary/passive_voice.htm\')), getAhrefsUnparsedNoserviceFromURL(\'https://www.grammar-monster.com/glossary/passive_voice.htm\'))) FORMAT JSONEachRow'

Response:

{"found_url":"https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/glossary\/passive_voice.htm","crawl_time":1775460891,"first_indexed_time":1528494994,"http_code":200,"src_unparsed":"com,grammar-monster!www,\/glossary\/passive_voice.htm s443","src_root_hash":"10627767202118678416","history_drop_reason":null,"meta_title":"Passive Voice","meta_descriptions":["The term 'passive voice' describes a verb whose action is performed on the subject not by the subject. Passive voice is the opposite of active voice. For example, 'The sheriff was shot' is an example of the passive voice. 'I shot the sheriff' is the active voice."],"attrs_boilerpipe_text":"What Is the Passive Voice?\nThe term \"passive voice\" describes a\nverb\nwhose action is done\nto\nthe subject not\nby\nthe subject. For example:\nThe sheriff was shot.\n(This is an example of the\npassive voice\n. The subject of the verb is \"the sheriff.\" The action of the verb (\"to shoot\") is done to the subject.)\nNow, look at this example:\nHe shot the sheriff.\n(This is an example of the\nactive voice\n. The subject of the verb is \"he.\" The action of the verb (\"to shoot\") is done by the subject.)\nTable of Contents\nPassive Voice vs Active Voice (Interactive Examples)\nComparing the Passive Voice and Active Voice\nExamples of Verbs in the Passive Voice\n\"The Agent\" Did It!\nVideo Lesson\nWhy the Passive Voice Is Important\nFive Good Reasons to Use the Passive Voice\nMulti-choice Test\nPassive Voice vs Active Voice (Interactive Examples)\nHere are some interactive examples showing the difference between active and passive voice. In these examples, the subjects are highlighted and the verbs are bold:\nThe girls\npainted\nthe fence.\nDawn\nplayed\nthe piano.\nSimon\nsaw\nthe fox.\nAlan\nwill read\nthe poem.\nComparing the Passive Voice and Active Voice\nTo identify a verb in the passive voice, identify its subject and then determine that the subject is being acted upon.\r\nCompare these two examples of the passive voice and active voice (verbs in the passive verbs shaded):\nA knife\nwas used\nto commit the murder.\nStep 1\n: Find the subject. (\"a knife\")\nStep 2\n: Find the verb. (\"to use\")\nStep 3\n: Ask \"Did the subject perform the verb?\" (No, it didn't)\n(As its subject did not perform the action of the verb, \"was used\" is a verb in the passive voice. The knife didn't do anything. It was passive. That's the point.)\nThe murderer used a knife.\nStep 1\n: Find the subject. (\"the murderer\")\nStep 2\n: Find the verb (\"to use\")\nStep 3\n: Ask \"Did the subject perform the verb?\" (Yes, it did.)\n(As its subject performed the action of the verb, \"used\" is a verb in the active voice. The murderer did something. He was active. That's the point.)\nExamples of Verbs in the Passive Voice\nRemember that if a verb is in the passive voice, its subject has the action of the verb done to it. Here are some more example sentences featuring passive verbs (shaded):\nEveryone\nwas startled\nby the power outage.\nA scream\nwas heard\ncoming from across the house.\nThe candles\nwere extinguished\nas we rushed to the scream.\nThe crime\nwas illuminated\nshortly by flashes of lightning.\nShe\nhad been murdered\n.\nA trap\nwas devised\nto catch the killer.\nLieutenant Lavender\nwas caught\nby the brilliant detective Educator Emerald.\n\"The Agent\" Did It!\nIn a passive sentence, the person or thing carrying out the action (often called \"the agent\") is introduced with \"by.\"\nThe cows will be moved after tea\nby\nthe farm-hands.\n(Passive sentence)\nThe farm-hands will move the cows after tea.\n(Active version)\nAll the pies were eaten\nby\nLee.\n(Passive sentence)\nLee ate all the pies.\n(Active version)\nThe fishing rig was designed\nby\nMark.\n(Passive sentence)\nMark designed the fishing rig.\n(Active version)\nThe tin of tuna fish was opened\nby\nSasha.\n(Passive sentence)\nSasha opened the tin of tuna fish.\n(Active version)\nThe printer cartridge was replaced\nby\nthe engineer.\n(Passive sentence)\nThe engineer replaced the printer cartridge.\n(Active version)\nYou Might Have to Invent a Subject\nSometimes, to turn a passive sentence into an active one, you have to create your own subject.\nThe crowbar was used to open the window.\n(Passive sentence)\nThe burglar\nused a crowbar to open the window.\n(Active version)\nFish that are not popular in the restaurants are discarded.\n(Passive sentence)\nThey\ndiscard the fish that are not popular in the restaurants.\n(Active version)\nThe engine was fixed.\n(Passive sentence)\nHe\nfixed the engine.\n(Active version)\nThe map had been misplaced.\n(Passive sentence)\nMark\nmisplaced the map.\n(Active version)\nVideo Lesson\nHere is a video on active and passive sentences.\nvideo lesson\nAre you a visual learner? Do you prefer video to text? Here is\na list of all our grammar videos\n.\nWhy the Passive Voice Is Important\nGrammar checkers will often highlight passive sentences like they're errors. Here is an example:\nThis happens because grammar checkers were written for the business environment, where bosses often demand clear, direct language, which is best delivered through the active voice. However, there are advantages to the passive voice, so don't be bullied by your grammar checker. If you like your passive sentence, it might be okay to ignore your grammar checker.\nFive Good Reasons to Use the Passive Voice\n(Reason 1) The passive voice is useful to avoid blame.\nBad advice was given.\nSome poor decisions were taken.\nThe passive voice allows you to avoid mentioning the actor (i.e., the doer of the action). Compare these to the active-voice versions:\nJohn gave bad advice.\nJohn made some poor decisions.\n(Reason 2) The passive voice often shows a neutral or objective tone.\nCompromises were offered by all the warring factions.\n(The passive voice expresses a neutral tone.)\n(Reason 3) The passive voice can be appropriate when the actor is unimportant, unknown, or obvious.\nThe almonds are dried for two months.\n(The agent (i.e., the person who dries the almonds) is unimportant.)\nThis virus was downloaded after midnight.\n(The agent (i.e., the person who downloaded the virus) is unknown.)\nThe perpetrators were kept in the cells overnight.\n(The agent (i.e., the person who kept them in the cell) is obvious. It's the police.)\n(Reason 4) The passive voice is useful to emphasize something by putting it at the start of your sentence.\nSix diamonds were stolen.\n(The number of diamonds is the focus of this sentence.)\nThe pigs were seen near the main road in Tamworth.\n(The pigs are the focus of this sentence. It does not matter who saw them.)\n(Reason 5) A passive-voice construction allows you to use the same subject twice.\nJohn ran away but was arrested two hours later.\n(In this sentence, the subject is \"John.\" The verb \"ran away\" is an active verb. It is followed by \"was arrested,\" which is a passive verb. This construction allows you to say two things about \"John\" in a natural and efficient way.)\nKey Point\nThe passive voice can be useful for avoiding blame, portraying a neutral tone, and focussing on the recipient of the action of a verb rather than the doer.\nYou might also like...\nHelp us improve...\nWas something wrong?\nCreate a QR code.","attrs_markdown":"[![Grammar Monster Logo](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/images\/grammarMonsterEye.webp)](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/)\n\n[**Grammar-Monster**.com](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/)\n\n[(\\#gm)](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/admin\/hashtag-GM.htm)\n\n[glossary](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/grammar_terms_and_definitions.htm)[confused words](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/easily_confused_words.htm)[punctuation](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/punctuation_lessons.htm)[lists](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/parts_of_speech_lists.htm)[spelling & vocabulary](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/spelling-and-vocabulary-lessons.htm) [games & tests](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/free_grammar_tests.html)[more...](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/admin\/sitemap-and-search.htm)\n\n![menu](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/images\/hamburger.webp)\n\n# Passive Voice\n## What Is the Passive Voice?\n[home](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/)▸[sitemap](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/admin\/sitemap-and-search.htm)▸[A-Z grammar terms](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/grammar_terms_and_definitions.htm) ▸passive voice\n\nThe term \"passive voice\" describes a [verb](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/lessons\/verbs.htm) whose action is done **to** the subject not **by** the subject. For example:\n\n- The sheriff was shot.\n\nNow, look at this example:\n\n- He shot the sheriff.\n\nTable of Contents\n\n- Passive Voice vs Active Voice (Interactive Examples)\n- Comparing the Passive Voice and Active Voice\n- Examples of Verbs in the Passive Voice\n- \"The Agent\" Did It\\!\n- Video Lesson\n- Why the Passive Voice Is Important\n- Five Good Reasons to Use the Passive Voice\n- Multi-choice Test\n\n![passive voice examples](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/glossary\/pics\/passive_voice.webp)\n\n## Passive Voice vs Active Voice (Interactive Examples)\nHere are some interactive examples showing the difference between active and passive voice. In these examples, the subjects are highlighted and the verbs are bold:\n\n- The girls **painted** the fence.\n- Dawn **played** the piano.\n- Simon **saw** the fox.\n- Alan **will read** the poem.\n## Comparing the Passive Voice and Active Voice\nTo identify a verb in the passive voice, identify its subject and then determine that the subject is being acted upon. Compare these two examples of the passive voice and active voice (verbs in the passive verbs shaded):\n\nPassive Voice Example\n\n- A knife was used to commit the murder.\n\nActive Voice Example\n\n- The murderer used a knife.\n## Examples of Verbs in the Passive Voice\nRemember that if a verb is in the passive voice, its subject has the action of the verb done to it. Here are some more example sentences featuring passive verbs (shaded):\n\n- Everyone was startled by the power outage.\n- A scream was heard coming from across the house.\n- The candles were extinguished as we rushed to the scream.\n- The crime was illuminated shortly by flashes of lightning.\n- She had been murdered.\n- A trap was devised to catch the killer.\n- Lieutenant Lavender was caught by the brilliant detective Educator Emerald.\n## \"The Agent\" Did It\\!\nIn a passive sentence, the person or thing carrying out the action (often called \"the agent\") is introduced with \"by.\"\n\nExample 1\n\n- The cows will be moved after tea **by** the farm-hands.\n- The farm-hands will move the cows after tea.\n\nExample 2\n\n- All the pies were eaten **by** Lee.\n- Lee ate all the pies.\n\nExample 3\n\n- The fishing rig was designed **by** Mark.\n- Mark designed the fishing rig.\n\nExample 4\n\n- The tin of tuna fish was opened **by** Sasha.\n- Sasha opened the tin of tuna fish.\n\nExample 5\n\n- The printer cartridge was replaced **by** the engineer.\n- The engineer replaced the printer cartridge.\n## You Might Have to Invent a Subject\nSometimes, to turn a passive sentence into an active one, you have to create your own subject.\n\nExample 1\n\n- The crowbar was used to open the window.\n- **The burglar** used a crowbar to open the window.\n\nExample 2\n\n- Fish that are not popular in the restaurants are discarded.\n- **They** discard the fish that are not popular in the restaurants.\n\nExample 3\n\n- The engine was fixed.\n- **He** fixed the engine.\n\nExample 4\n\n- The map had been misplaced.\n- **Mark** misplaced the map.\n## Video Lesson\nHere is a video on active and passive sentences. [video lesson](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/videos\/video-active_and_passive_sentences.htm)\n\nAre you a visual learner? Do you prefer video to text? Here is [a list of all our grammar videos](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/grammar-videos.htm).\n\n## Why the Passive Voice Is Important\nGrammar checkers will often highlight passive sentences like they're errors. Here is an example:\n\n![passive voice with spell checkers](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/glossary\/pics\/passive_voice_spell_checker.webp)\n\nThis happens because grammar checkers were written for the business environment, where bosses often demand clear, direct language, which is best delivered through the active voice. However, there are advantages to the passive voice, so don't be bullied by your grammar checker. If you like your passive sentence, it might be okay to ignore your grammar checker.\n\n## Five Good Reasons to Use the Passive Voice\n## (Reason 1) The passive voice is useful to avoid blame.\n- Bad advice was given.\n- Some poor decisions were taken.\n\nThe passive voice allows you to avoid mentioning the actor (i.e., the doer of the action). Compare these to the active-voice versions:\n\n- John gave bad advice.\n- John made some poor decisions.\n## (Reason 2) The passive voice often shows a neutral or objective tone.\n- Compromises were offered by all the warring factions.\n## (Reason 3) The passive voice can be appropriate when the actor is unimportant, unknown, or obvious.\n- The almonds are dried for two months.\n- This virus was downloaded after midnight.\n- The perpetrators were kept in the cells overnight.\n## (Reason 4) The passive voice is useful to emphasize something by putting it at the start of your sentence.\n- Six diamonds were stolen.\n- The pigs were seen near the main road in Tamworth.\n## (Reason 5) A passive-voice construction allows you to use the same subject twice.\n- John ran away but was arrested two hours later.\n## Key Point\n- The passive voice can be useful for avoiding blame, portraying a neutral tone, and focussing on the recipient of the action of a verb rather than the doer.\n\n![author logo](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/images\/authorPage.webp)\n\nThis page was written by [Craig Shrives](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/Craig_Shrives_author.htm).\n## You might also like...\n[Passive sentences and why they are useful](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/glossary\/passive_sentences.htm) [What are verbs?](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/lessons\/verbs.htm) [What is the subject of a sentence?](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/glossary\/subject.htm) [What is the object of a sentence?](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/glossary\/object.htm) [What is the active voice?](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/glossary\/active_voice.htm) [What is an active sentence?](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/glossary\/active_sentences.htm) [What voice should I use?](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/glossary\/voice.htm)\n\n## Help us improve...\n![](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/images\/somethingWrong.webp)\n\nWas something wrong?\n\nplease tell us\n\n![](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/images\/findQuicker.webp)\n\nUse **\\#gm** to find us [quicker](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/lessons\/more_quickly_quicker.htm).\n\nmore info...\n\n![](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/images\/shareMe.webp)\n\nshare\n\ncopy\n\n![](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/images\/QRcode.webp)\n\nCreate a QR code.\n\ncreate QR\n\n## teachers' zone\nplay:\n\n[match the pairs (parts of speech)](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/tests\/match-the-pairs-game-parts-of-speech.htm) [hundreds more games and tests](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/free_grammar_tests.html)\n\nread:\n\n[parts-of-speech lists](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/parts_of_speech_lists.htm)\n\n## Multi-choice Test\nThis test is printable and sendable\n\n![green heart logo](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/images\/green_heart_green.webp)\n\n![](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/images\/expandPageWhite.webp)\n\nexpand to  \nfull page\n\n![](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/images\/slideshow.webp)\n\nshow  \nas slides\n\n![](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/images\/sendTest.webp)\n\nsend as  \nhomework\n\n![](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/images\/print_test.webp)\n\nprint as  \nhandout\n\n[![X Twitter logo](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/images\/Xlogo.webp)](https:\/\/twitter.com\/grammarmonster)[![YouTube logo](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/images\/YTlogo.webp)](https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/c\/GrammarMonsterVideos)[![FB logo](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/images\/FBlogo.webp)](https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/GrammarMonster\/)\n\n[![FB logo](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/images\/mailingList.webp)mailing list](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/admin\/newsletter.htm)\n\n[![FB logo](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/images\/chatLogo.webp)grammar forum](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/admin\/grammar-chat-forum.htm)\n## Site Navigation\nlibraries\n\n- [A-Z of grammatical terms](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/grammar_terms_and_definitions.htm)\n- [A-Z confused words](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/easily_confused_words.htm)\n- [punctuation lessons](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/punctuation_lessons.htm)\n- [FAQs by writers](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/FAQs.htm)\n- [common writing errors](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/common_grammar_errors.htm)\n\nbeginners\n\n- [curriculum for beginners](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/English-for-beginners.htm)\n- [spelling and vocabulary lessons](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/spelling-and-vocabulary-lessons.htm)\n- [role-play scenarios](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/role-play-scenarios.htm)\n- [vocabulary topics](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/ESL-vocabulary-lists.html)\n- [awkward plurals](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/plurals.htm)\n\nadvanced learners\n\n- [parts-of-speech lists](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/parts_of_speech_lists.htm)\n- [creative-writing techniques](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/writing_techniques.htm)\n- [Latin terms in English](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/Latin_terms_in_English.html)\n- [tattoo fails](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/tattoo_fails.htm)\n- [Arabic script](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/Arabic-lessons.htm)\n\nteaching resources\n\n- [categorized games and tests](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/free_grammar_tests.html)\n- [key-stage tests](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/key-stage-tests.htm)\n- [library of grammar videos](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/grammar-videos.htm)\n- [pdf download library](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/pdf-library.htm)\n- [categorized sitemap](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/admin\/sitemap-and-search.htm)\n\nword lists\n\n- [common English verbs](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/most-common-verbs-in-English.htm)\n- [collective nouns for animals](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/list_of_collective_nouns_for_animals.htm)\n- [sayings and proverbs](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/sayings_proverbs.htm)\n- [common irregular verbs](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/important-irregular-verbs.htm)\n- [interesting words](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/favourite-words-the-top-tens.htm)\n\n[home](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/) \\| [about](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/about_us.htm) \\| [Craig](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/Craig_Shrives_author.htm) \\| [contact](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/admin\/contact_us.htm) \\| [sitemap](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/admin\/sitemap-and-search.htm) \\| [privacy policy](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/admin\/privacy_policy.htm)","attrs_readable_markdown":"## What Is the Passive Voice?\nThe term \"passive voice\" describes a [verb](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/lessons\/verbs.htm) whose action is done **to** the subject not **by** the subject. For example:\n\n- The sheriff was shot.\n\nNow, look at this example:\n\n- He shot the sheriff.\n\nTable of Contents\n\n- Passive Voice vs Active Voice (Interactive Examples)\n- Comparing the Passive Voice and Active Voice\n- Examples of Verbs in the Passive Voice\n- \"The Agent\" Did It\\!\n- Video Lesson\n- Why the Passive Voice Is Important\n- Five Good Reasons to Use the Passive Voice\n- Multi-choice Test\n\n![passive voice examples](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/glossary\/pics\/passive_voice.webp)\n\n## Passive Voice vs Active Voice (Interactive Examples)\nHere are some interactive examples showing the difference between active and passive voice. In these examples, the subjects are highlighted and the verbs are bold:\n\n- The girls **painted** the fence.\n- Dawn **played** the piano.\n- Simon **saw** the fox.\n- Alan **will read** the poem.\n## Comparing the Passive Voice and Active Voice\nTo identify a verb in the passive voice, identify its subject and then determine that the subject is being acted upon. Compare these two examples of the passive voice and active voice (verbs in the passive verbs shaded):\n\n- A knife was used to commit the murder.\n\n- The murderer used a knife.\n## Examples of Verbs in the Passive Voice\nRemember that if a verb is in the passive voice, its subject has the action of the verb done to it. Here are some more example sentences featuring passive verbs (shaded):\n\n- Everyone was startled by the power outage.\n- A scream was heard coming from across the house.\n- The candles were extinguished as we rushed to the scream.\n- The crime was illuminated shortly by flashes of lightning.\n- She had been murdered.\n- A trap was devised to catch the killer.\n- Lieutenant Lavender was caught by the brilliant detective Educator Emerald.\n## \"The Agent\" Did It\\!\nIn a passive sentence, the person or thing carrying out the action (often called \"the agent\") is introduced with \"by.\"\n\n- The cows will be moved after tea **by** the farm-hands.\n- The farm-hands will move the cows after tea.\n\n- All the pies were eaten **by** Lee.\n- Lee ate all the pies.\n\n- The fishing rig was designed **by** Mark.\n- Mark designed the fishing rig.\n\n- The tin of tuna fish was opened **by** Sasha.\n- Sasha opened the tin of tuna fish.\n\n- The printer cartridge was replaced **by** the engineer.\n- The engineer replaced the printer cartridge.\n## You Might Have to Invent a Subject\nSometimes, to turn a passive sentence into an active one, you have to create your own subject.\n\n- The crowbar was used to open the window.\n- **The burglar** used a crowbar to open the window.\n\n- Fish that are not popular in the restaurants are discarded.\n- **They** discard the fish that are not popular in the restaurants.\n\n- The engine was fixed.\n- **He** fixed the engine.\n\n- The map had been misplaced.\n- **Mark** misplaced the map.\n## Video Lesson\nHere is a video on active and passive sentences. [video lesson](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/videos\/video-active_and_passive_sentences.htm)\n\nAre you a visual learner? Do you prefer video to text? Here is [a list of all our grammar videos](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/grammar-videos.htm).\n\n## Why the Passive Voice Is Important\nGrammar checkers will often highlight passive sentences like they're errors. Here is an example:\n\n![passive voice with spell checkers](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/glossary\/pics\/passive_voice_spell_checker.webp)\n\nThis happens because grammar checkers were written for the business environment, where bosses often demand clear, direct language, which is best delivered through the active voice. However, there are advantages to the passive voice, so don't be bullied by your grammar checker. If you like your passive sentence, it might be okay to ignore your grammar checker.\n\n## Five Good Reasons to Use the Passive Voice\n## (Reason 1) The passive voice is useful to avoid blame.\n- Bad advice was given.\n- Some poor decisions were taken.\n\nThe passive voice allows you to avoid mentioning the actor (i.e., the doer of the action). Compare these to the active-voice versions:\n\n- John gave bad advice.\n- John made some poor decisions.\n## (Reason 2) The passive voice often shows a neutral or objective tone.\n- Compromises were offered by all the warring factions.\n## (Reason 3) The passive voice can be appropriate when the actor is unimportant, unknown, or obvious.\n- The almonds are dried for two months.\n- This virus was downloaded after midnight.\n- The perpetrators were kept in the cells overnight.\n## (Reason 4) The passive voice is useful to emphasize something by putting it at the start of your sentence.\n- Six diamonds were stolen.\n- The pigs were seen near the main road in Tamworth.\n## (Reason 5) A passive-voice construction allows you to use the same subject twice.\n- John ran away but was arrested two hours later.\n## Key Point\n- The passive voice can be useful for avoiding blame, portraying a neutral tone, and focussing on the recipient of the action of a verb rather than the doer.\n## You might also like...\n## Help us improve...\n![](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/images\/somethingWrong.webp)\n\nWas something wrong?\n\n![](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/images\/shareMe.webp)\n\n![](https:\/\/www.grammar-monster.com\/images\/QRcode.webp)\n\nCreate a QR code.","meta_canonical":null}

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4. Spam/Ban Check

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5. Seen Status Check

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CRAWLED

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Filter	Status	Condition	Details
HTTP status	PASS	`download_http_code = 200`	HTTP 200
Age cutoff	PASS	`download_stamp > now() - 6 MONTH`	0 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

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Meta Title	Passive Voice
Meta Description	The term 'passive voice' describes a verb whose action is performed on the subject not by the subject. Passive voice is the opposite of active voice. For example, 'The sheriff was shot' is an example of the passive voice. 'I shot the sheriff' is the active voice.
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Boilerpipe Text	What Is the Passive Voice? The term "passive voice" describes a verb whose action is done to the subject not by the subject. For example: The sheriff was shot. (This is an example of the passive voice . The subject of the verb is "the sheriff." The action of the verb ("to shoot") is done to the subject.) Now, look at this example: He shot the sheriff. (This is an example of the active voice . The subject of the verb is "he." The action of the verb ("to shoot") is done by the subject.) Table of Contents Passive Voice vs Active Voice (Interactive Examples) Comparing the Passive Voice and Active Voice Examples of Verbs in the Passive Voice "The Agent" Did It! Video Lesson Why the Passive Voice Is Important Five Good Reasons to Use the Passive Voice Multi-choice Test Passive Voice vs Active Voice (Interactive Examples) Here are some interactive examples showing the difference between active and passive voice. In these examples, the subjects are highlighted and the verbs are bold: The girls painted the fence. Dawn played the piano. Simon saw the fox. Alan will read the poem. Comparing the Passive Voice and Active Voice To identify a verb in the passive voice, identify its subject and then determine that the subject is being acted upon. Compare these two examples of the passive voice and active voice (verbs in the passive verbs shaded): A knife was used to commit the murder. Step 1 : Find the subject. ("a knife") Step 2 : Find the verb. ("to use") Step 3 : Ask "Did the subject perform the verb?" (No, it didn't) (As its subject did not perform the action of the verb, "was used" is a verb in the passive voice. The knife didn't do anything. It was passive. That's the point.) The murderer used a knife. Step 1 : Find the subject. ("the murderer") Step 2 : Find the verb ("to use") Step 3 : Ask "Did the subject perform the verb?" (Yes, it did.) (As its subject performed the action of the verb, "used" is a verb in the active voice. The murderer did something. He was active. That's the point.) Examples of Verbs in the Passive Voice Remember that if a verb is in the passive voice, its subject has the action of the verb done to it. Here are some more example sentences featuring passive verbs (shaded): Everyone was startled by the power outage. A scream was heard coming from across the house. The candles were extinguished as we rushed to the scream. The crime was illuminated shortly by flashes of lightning. She had been murdered . A trap was devised to catch the killer. Lieutenant Lavender was caught by the brilliant detective Educator Emerald. "The Agent" Did It! In a passive sentence, the person or thing carrying out the action (often called "the agent") is introduced with "by." The cows will be moved after tea by the farm-hands. (Passive sentence) The farm-hands will move the cows after tea. (Active version) All the pies were eaten by Lee. (Passive sentence) Lee ate all the pies. (Active version) The fishing rig was designed by Mark. (Passive sentence) Mark designed the fishing rig. (Active version) The tin of tuna fish was opened by Sasha. (Passive sentence) Sasha opened the tin of tuna fish. (Active version) The printer cartridge was replaced by the engineer. (Passive sentence) The engineer replaced the printer cartridge. (Active version) You Might Have to Invent a Subject Sometimes, to turn a passive sentence into an active one, you have to create your own subject. The crowbar was used to open the window. (Passive sentence) The burglar used a crowbar to open the window. (Active version) Fish that are not popular in the restaurants are discarded. (Passive sentence) They discard the fish that are not popular in the restaurants. (Active version) The engine was fixed. (Passive sentence) He fixed the engine. (Active version) The map had been misplaced. (Passive sentence) Mark misplaced the map. (Active version) Video Lesson Here is a video on active and passive sentences. video lesson Are you a visual learner? Do you prefer video to text? Here is a list of all our grammar videos . Why the Passive Voice Is Important Grammar checkers will often highlight passive sentences like they're errors. Here is an example: This happens because grammar checkers were written for the business environment, where bosses often demand clear, direct language, which is best delivered through the active voice. However, there are advantages to the passive voice, so don't be bullied by your grammar checker. If you like your passive sentence, it might be okay to ignore your grammar checker. Five Good Reasons to Use the Passive Voice (Reason 1) The passive voice is useful to avoid blame. Bad advice was given. Some poor decisions were taken. The passive voice allows you to avoid mentioning the actor (i.e., the doer of the action). Compare these to the active-voice versions: John gave bad advice. John made some poor decisions. (Reason 2) The passive voice often shows a neutral or objective tone. Compromises were offered by all the warring factions. (The passive voice expresses a neutral tone.) (Reason 3) The passive voice can be appropriate when the actor is unimportant, unknown, or obvious. The almonds are dried for two months. (The agent (i.e., the person who dries the almonds) is unimportant.) This virus was downloaded after midnight. (The agent (i.e., the person who downloaded the virus) is unknown.) The perpetrators were kept in the cells overnight. (The agent (i.e., the person who kept them in the cell) is obvious. It's the police.) (Reason 4) The passive voice is useful to emphasize something by putting it at the start of your sentence. Six diamonds were stolen. (The number of diamonds is the focus of this sentence.) The pigs were seen near the main road in Tamworth. (The pigs are the focus of this sentence. It does not matter who saw them.) (Reason 5) A passive-voice construction allows you to use the same subject twice. John ran away but was arrested two hours later. (In this sentence, the subject is "John." The verb "ran away" is an active verb. It is followed by "was arrested," which is a passive verb. This construction allows you to say two things about "John" in a natural and efficient way.) Key Point The passive voice can be useful for avoiding blame, portraying a neutral tone, and focussing on the recipient of the action of a verb rather than the doer. You might also like... Help us improve... Was something wrong? Create a QR code.
Markdown	[![Grammar Monster Logo](https://www.grammar-monster.com/images/grammarMonsterEye.webp)](https://www.grammar-monster.com/) [Grammar-Monster.com](https://www.grammar-monster.com/) [(\#gm)](https://www.grammar-monster.com/admin/hashtag-GM.htm) [glossary](https://www.grammar-monster.com/grammar_terms_and_definitions.htm)[confused words](https://www.grammar-monster.com/easily_confused_words.htm)[punctuation](https://www.grammar-monster.com/punctuation_lessons.htm)[lists](https://www.grammar-monster.com/parts_of_speech_lists.htm)[spelling & vocabulary](https://www.grammar-monster.com/spelling-and-vocabulary-lessons.htm) [games & tests](https://www.grammar-monster.com/free_grammar_tests.html)[more...](https://www.grammar-monster.com/admin/sitemap-and-search.htm) ![menu](https://www.grammar-monster.com/images/hamburger.webp) # Passive Voice ## What Is the Passive Voice? [home](https://www.grammar-monster.com/)▸[sitemap](https://www.grammar-monster.com/admin/sitemap-and-search.htm)▸[A-Z grammar terms](https://www.grammar-monster.com/grammar_terms_and_definitions.htm) ▸passive voice The term "passive voice" describes a [verb](https://www.grammar-monster.com/lessons/verbs.htm) whose action is done to the subject not by the subject. For example: - The sheriff was shot. Now, look at this example: - He shot the sheriff. Table of Contents - Passive Voice vs Active Voice (Interactive Examples) - Comparing the Passive Voice and Active Voice - Examples of Verbs in the Passive Voice - "The Agent" Did It\! - Video Lesson - Why the Passive Voice Is Important - Five Good Reasons to Use the Passive Voice - Multi-choice Test ![passive voice examples](https://www.grammar-monster.com/glossary/pics/passive_voice.webp) ## Passive Voice vs Active Voice (Interactive Examples) Here are some interactive examples showing the difference between active and passive voice. In these examples, the subjects are highlighted and the verbs are bold: - The girls painted the fence. - Dawn played the piano. - Simon saw the fox. - Alan will read the poem. ## Comparing the Passive Voice and Active Voice To identify a verb in the passive voice, identify its subject and then determine that the subject is being acted upon. Compare these two examples of the passive voice and active voice (verbs in the passive verbs shaded): Passive Voice Example - A knife was used to commit the murder. Active Voice Example - The murderer used a knife. ## Examples of Verbs in the Passive Voice Remember that if a verb is in the passive voice, its subject has the action of the verb done to it. Here are some more example sentences featuring passive verbs (shaded): - Everyone was startled by the power outage. - A scream was heard coming from across the house. - The candles were extinguished as we rushed to the scream. - The crime was illuminated shortly by flashes of lightning. - She had been murdered. - A trap was devised to catch the killer. - Lieutenant Lavender was caught by the brilliant detective Educator Emerald. ## "The Agent" Did It\! In a passive sentence, the person or thing carrying out the action (often called "the agent") is introduced with "by." Example 1 - The cows will be moved after tea by the farm-hands. - The farm-hands will move the cows after tea. Example 2 - All the pies were eaten by Lee. - Lee ate all the pies. Example 3 - The fishing rig was designed by Mark. - Mark designed the fishing rig. Example 4 - The tin of tuna fish was opened by Sasha. - Sasha opened the tin of tuna fish. Example 5 - The printer cartridge was replaced by the engineer. - The engineer replaced the printer cartridge. ## You Might Have to Invent a Subject Sometimes, to turn a passive sentence into an active one, you have to create your own subject. Example 1 - The crowbar was used to open the window. - The burglar used a crowbar to open the window. Example 2 - Fish that are not popular in the restaurants are discarded. - They discard the fish that are not popular in the restaurants. Example 3 - The engine was fixed. - He fixed the engine. Example 4 - The map had been misplaced. - Mark misplaced the map. ## Video Lesson Here is a video on active and passive sentences. [video lesson](https://www.grammar-monster.com/videos/video-active_and_passive_sentences.htm) Are you a visual learner? Do you prefer video to text? Here is [a list of all our grammar videos](https://www.grammar-monster.com/grammar-videos.htm). ## Why the Passive Voice Is Important Grammar checkers will often highlight passive sentences like they're errors. Here is an example: ![passive voice with spell checkers](https://www.grammar-monster.com/glossary/pics/passive_voice_spell_checker.webp) This happens because grammar checkers were written for the business environment, where bosses often demand clear, direct language, which is best delivered through the active voice. However, there are advantages to the passive voice, so don't be bullied by your grammar checker. If you like your passive sentence, it might be okay to ignore your grammar checker. ## Five Good Reasons to Use the Passive Voice ## (Reason 1) The passive voice is useful to avoid blame. - Bad advice was given. - Some poor decisions were taken. The passive voice allows you to avoid mentioning the actor (i.e., the doer of the action). Compare these to the active-voice versions: - John gave bad advice. - John made some poor decisions. ## (Reason 2) The passive voice often shows a neutral or objective tone. - Compromises were offered by all the warring factions. ## (Reason 3) The passive voice can be appropriate when the actor is unimportant, unknown, or obvious. - The almonds are dried for two months. - This virus was downloaded after midnight. - The perpetrators were kept in the cells overnight. ## (Reason 4) The passive voice is useful to emphasize something by putting it at the start of your sentence. - Six diamonds were stolen. - The pigs were seen near the main road in Tamworth. ## (Reason 5) A passive-voice construction allows you to use the same subject twice. - John ran away but was arrested two hours later. ## Key Point - The passive voice can be useful for avoiding blame, portraying a neutral tone, and focussing on the recipient of the action of a verb rather than the doer. ![author logo](https://www.grammar-monster.com/images/authorPage.webp) This page was written by [Craig Shrives](https://www.grammar-monster.com/Craig_Shrives_author.htm). ## You might also like... 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Readable Markdown	## What Is the Passive Voice? The term "passive voice" describes a [verb](https://www.grammar-monster.com/lessons/verbs.htm) whose action is done to the subject not by the subject. For example: - The sheriff was shot. Now, look at this example: - He shot the sheriff. Table of Contents - Passive Voice vs Active Voice (Interactive Examples) - Comparing the Passive Voice and Active Voice - Examples of Verbs in the Passive Voice - "The Agent" Did It\! - Video Lesson - Why the Passive Voice Is Important - Five Good Reasons to Use the Passive Voice - Multi-choice Test ![passive voice examples](https://www.grammar-monster.com/glossary/pics/passive_voice.webp) ## Passive Voice vs Active Voice (Interactive Examples) Here are some interactive examples showing the difference between active and passive voice. In these examples, the subjects are highlighted and the verbs are bold: - The girls painted the fence. - Dawn played the piano. - Simon saw the fox. - Alan will read the poem. ## Comparing the Passive Voice and Active Voice To identify a verb in the passive voice, identify its subject and then determine that the subject is being acted upon. Compare these two examples of the passive voice and active voice (verbs in the passive verbs shaded): - A knife was used to commit the murder. - The murderer used a knife. ## Examples of Verbs in the Passive Voice Remember that if a verb is in the passive voice, its subject has the action of the verb done to it. Here are some more example sentences featuring passive verbs (shaded): - Everyone was startled by the power outage. - A scream was heard coming from across the house. - The candles were extinguished as we rushed to the scream. - The crime was illuminated shortly by flashes of lightning. - She had been murdered. - A trap was devised to catch the killer. - Lieutenant Lavender was caught by the brilliant detective Educator Emerald. ## "The Agent" Did It\! In a passive sentence, the person or thing carrying out the action (often called "the agent") is introduced with "by." - The cows will be moved after tea by the farm-hands. - The farm-hands will move the cows after tea. - All the pies were eaten by Lee. - Lee ate all the pies. - The fishing rig was designed by Mark. - Mark designed the fishing rig. - The tin of tuna fish was opened by Sasha. - Sasha opened the tin of tuna fish. - The printer cartridge was replaced by the engineer. - The engineer replaced the printer cartridge. ## You Might Have to Invent a Subject Sometimes, to turn a passive sentence into an active one, you have to create your own subject. - The crowbar was used to open the window. - The burglar used a crowbar to open the window. - Fish that are not popular in the restaurants are discarded. - They discard the fish that are not popular in the restaurants. - The engine was fixed. - He fixed the engine. - The map had been misplaced. - Mark misplaced the map. ## Video Lesson Here is a video on active and passive sentences. [video lesson](https://www.grammar-monster.com/videos/video-active_and_passive_sentences.htm) Are you a visual learner? Do you prefer video to text? Here is [a list of all our grammar videos](https://www.grammar-monster.com/grammar-videos.htm). ## Why the Passive Voice Is Important Grammar checkers will often highlight passive sentences like they're errors. Here is an example: ![passive voice with spell checkers](https://www.grammar-monster.com/glossary/pics/passive_voice_spell_checker.webp) This happens because grammar checkers were written for the business environment, where bosses often demand clear, direct language, which is best delivered through the active voice. However, there are advantages to the passive voice, so don't be bullied by your grammar checker. If you like your passive sentence, it might be okay to ignore your grammar checker. ## Five Good Reasons to Use the Passive Voice ## (Reason 1) The passive voice is useful to avoid blame. - Bad advice was given. - Some poor decisions were taken. The passive voice allows you to avoid mentioning the actor (i.e., the doer of the action). Compare these to the active-voice versions: - John gave bad advice. - John made some poor decisions. ## (Reason 2) The passive voice often shows a neutral or objective tone. - Compromises were offered by all the warring factions. ## (Reason 3) The passive voice can be appropriate when the actor is unimportant, unknown, or obvious. - The almonds are dried for two months. - This virus was downloaded after midnight. - The perpetrators were kept in the cells overnight. ## (Reason 4) The passive voice is useful to emphasize something by putting it at the start of your sentence. - Six diamonds were stolen. - The pigs were seen near the main road in Tamworth. ## (Reason 5) A passive-voice construction allows you to use the same subject twice. - John ran away but was arrested two hours later. ## Key Point - The passive voice can be useful for avoiding blame, portraying a neutral tone, and focussing on the recipient of the action of a verb rather than the doer. ## You might also like... ## Help us improve... ![](https://www.grammar-monster.com/images/somethingWrong.webp) Was something wrong? ![](https://www.grammar-monster.com/images/shareMe.webp) ![](https://www.grammar-monster.com/images/QRcode.webp) Create a QR code.
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