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Passive Voice
Passive voice is used when the focus is on the action. It is not important or not known,
however, who or what is performing the action.
Example: My bike was stolen.
In the example above, the focus is on the fact that my bike was stolen. I do not know,
however, who did it.
Sometimes a statement in passive is more polite than active voice, as the following
example shows:
Example: A mistake was made.
In this case, I focus on the fact that a mistake was made, but I do not blame anyone
(e.g. You have made a mistake.).
Sometimes passive voice also used to express “not in purpose” things.
Form of Passive
Subject + finite form of to be + Past Participle (3rd column of irregular verbs)
Example: A letter was written.
When rewriting active sentences in passive voice, note the following:
• the object of the active sentence becomes the subject of the passive sentence
• the finite form of the verb is changed (to be + past participle)
• the subject of the active sentence becomes the object of the passive sentence (or is
dropped)
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As you can see in the examples, adding by Rita does not sound very elegant. That’s why it is
usually dropped.
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Dari keterangan diatas dapat disimpulkan bahwa ara untuk mengubah kalimat aktif
menjadi kalimt pasif adlah sebagai berikut :
1. Letakkan objek dari kalimat aktif diawal kalimat pasif (obyek kalimat aktif menjadi
subjek kalimat pasif) .
2. Jika dalam kalimat aktif tidak ada auxiliary (to be), maka tambahkanlah “to be” yang
sesuai dengan subjek dalam kalimat pasif tersebut, dan yang sesuai dengan bentuk
tensesnya.
3. Letakkan kata kerja utama dari kalimat aktif sesudah auxiliary (to be) dalam bentuk
past participle.
4. Letakkanlah preposition By sesudah kata kerja utama dalam kalimat pasif sebelum
subjek. (dalam keadaan tertentu By dapat dihilangkan karena sudah dianggap sudah
emngerti maksudnya).
Pemakain Be dalam kalimat pasif :
1. Present Tense : am, is, are
2. Present Continous Tense : am, is, are + being
3. Present Perfect Tense : has, Have + been
4. Past Tense : was, were
5. Past Perfect Tense : had been
6. Past Continous Tense : was, were + being
7. Future Tense : shall, will + be
8. Future Perfect Tense : shall/will + have been
9. Modal : modal + be
10. Modal +Perfect : modal + have been
Exercise 1
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Change the underlined words with the correct tenses (active or passive voice).
Hadrian's Wall
1. In the year 122 AD, the Roman Emperor Hadrian visit (visited) his
provinces in Britain.
2. On his visit, the Roman soldiers tell (told) him that Pictish tribes from
3. So Hadrian give (gave) the order to build a protective wall across one of
the narrowest parts of the country.
4. After 6 years of hard work, the Wall finish (was finished) in 128.
8. The soldiers watch (watched) over the frontier to the north and check
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9. In order to pass through the Wall, people have to (had to) go to one of the
10. Those forts call (were called) milecastles because the distance from one
11. Between the milecastles there is (were) two turrets from which the
12. If the Wall attack (was attacked) by enemies, the soldiers at the turrets run
(ran) to the nearest milecastle for help or lit a fire that see
14. Today Hadrian's Wall was (is) the most popular tourist attraction in
northern England.
Exercise 2
Highlight Tenses That Used In The Text
Simple Past (Passive) - action or situation in the past (emphasises what was done)
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ACTIVE PASSIVE THEORY AND EXERCISE
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To say who actually invented the sport of snowboarding would be impossible because
people have always loved to slide down a snow-covered hill. Soaring through the snow on
some kind of seat or board is nothing new. The ways to enjoy the snow are numerous, and
people have devised ways to turn garbage can lids and cardboard into ‘snow boards’ to enjoy
an afternoon frolic outdoors. The various ways to glide through snow have become more
sophisticated and have evolved into using polished boards or skis in much the same manner
as a surfboarder would ride a wave.
There have been many attempts at developing a modern snowboard. In 1965, the
‘Snurfer’ (a word play on ‘snow’ and ‘surfer’) was developed as a child’s toy. Two skis were
bound together and a rope was placed at the front end to afford control and stability. Over
500,000 ‘Snurfers’ were sold in 1966 but they were never seen as more than a child's
plaything even though organized competitions began to take place. The year 1969 brought a
slightly more sophisticated snowboard based on the principles of skiing combined with
surfboard styling.
The ‘Flying Yellow Banana’ was developed in 1977. This was nothing more than a
plastic shell covered with a top surface like that of a skateboard, but at the time it was
considered a major advance in the little known sport of snowboarding. The first national
snowboard race was held in the area outside Woodstock and was known as ‘The Suicide Six.’
The race consisted of a steep downhill run called The Face in which the main goal was
probably mere survival.
Snowboarding continued to increase in popularity over the next several years. In 1985
the first magazine dedicated specifically to snowboarding hit the news stands with huge
success and furthered the popularity of this exciting sport. Hoards of fans began to organize
regional events and pretty soon snowboarding events were held in all parts of the world. In
the year 1994 snowboarding was finally declared an Olympic event, much to the delight of
fans. The not-so-new sport of snowboarding was finally recognized and meant a huge victory
for serious snowboarders across the globe.
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A collection of snowboarding tricks and stunts was released on video in 1996. Filmed
in Alaska, the breathtaking beauty and captivating snowboarding techniques featured in the
video exposed snowboarding to a new generation, and by 1998 snowboarding constituted
almost 50% of all winter activity. Today, nearly all ski resorts accept snowboarders. There
are still a few holding on to the past but this is unlikely to continue as the number of
snowboarders continually increases.
From the first crudely built snowboards to the advanced and specialized models
available today, snowboarders have carried a ‘bad boy’ image. This rebel reputation is still
common today in spite of the fact that snowboarding appeals to men, women, and children of
all nationalities and social groups. At most major ski resorts you can find snowboarding gear,
information, and lessons. Olympic and world wide snowboarding events are among the most
popular of winter sports and the competition to be the best is fierce.
Retailers nation wide and around the world carry many types of snowboards, and the
choice in specially made snowboarding gear is immense. Snowboarders have participated in
the X Games and even charity events such as Boarding for Breast Cancer. From its early
meager beginnings snowboarding has progressed into a fully recognized sport, and large
numbers of people are turning to snowboarding for adventure, fun, and professional
recognition.
To say who actually invented the sport of snowboarding would be impossible because
people have always loved to slide down a snow-covered hill. Soaring through the snow on
some kind of seat or board is nothing new. The ways to enjoy the snow are numerous, and
people have devised ways to turn garbage can lids and cardboard into ‘snow boards’ to enjoy
an afternoon frolic outdoors. The various ways to glide through snow have become more
sophisticated and have evolved into using polished boards or skis in much the same manner
as a surfboarder would ride a wave.
There have been many attempts at developing a modern snowboard. In 1965, the
‘Snurfer’ (a word play on ‘snow’ and ‘surfer’) was developed as a child’s toy. Two skis were
bound together and a rope was placed at the front end to afford control and stability. Over
500,000 ‘Snurfers’ were sold in 1966 but they were never seen as more than a child's
plaything even though organized competitions began to take place. The year 1969 brought a
slightly more sophisticated snowboard based on the principles of skiing combined with
surfboard styling.
7 Property Of JW Yulianto
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ACTIVE PASSIVE THEORY AND EXERCISE
21, 2009
The ‘Flying Yellow Banana’ was developed in 1977. This was nothing more than a
plastic shell covered with a top surface like that of a skateboard, but at the time it was
considered a major advance in the little known sport of snowboarding. The first national
snowboard race was held in the area outside Woodstock and was known as ‘The Suicide Six.’
The race consisted of a steep downhill run called The Face in which the main goal was
probably mere survival.
Snowboarding continued to increase in popularity over the next several years. In 1985
the first magazine dedicated specifically to snowboarding hit the news stands with huge
success and furthered the popularity of this exciting sport. Hoards of fans began to organize
regional events and pretty soon snowboarding events were held in all parts of the world. In
the year 1994 snowboarding was finally declared an Olympic event, much to the delight of
fans. The not-so-new sport of snowboarding was finally recognized and meant a huge victory
for serious snowboarders across the globe.
A collection of snowboarding tricks and stunts was released on video in 1996. Filmed
in Alaska, the breathtaking beauty and captivating snowboarding techniques featured in the
video exposed snowboarding to a new generation, and by 1998 snowboarding constituted
almost 50% of all winter activity. Today, nearly all ski resorts accept snowboarders. There
are still a few holding on to the past but this is unlikely to continue as the number of
snowboarders continually increases.
From the first crudely built snowboards to the advanced and specialized models
available today, snowboarders have carried a ‘bad boy’ image. This rebel reputation is still
common today in spite of the fact that snowboarding appeals to men, women, and children of
all nationalities and social groups. At most major ski resorts you can find snowboarding gear,
information, and lessons. Olympic and world wide snowboarding events are among the most
popular of winter sports and the competition to be the best is fierce.
Retailers nation wide and around the world carry many types of snowboards, and the
choice in specially made snowboarding gear is immense. Snowboarders have participated in
the X Games and even charity events such as Boarding for Breast Cancer. From its early
meager beginnings snowboarding has progressed into a fully recognized sport, and large
numbers of people are turning to snowboarding for adventure, fun, and professional
recognition.
Present Perfect - action or situation over a period of time (from the past to the present)
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ACTIVE PASSIVE THEORY AND EXERCISE
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To say who actually invented the sport of snowboarding would be impossible because
people have always loved to slide down a snow-covered hill. Soaring through the snow on
some kind of seat or board is nothing new. The ways to enjoy the snow are numerous, and
people have devised ways to turn garbage can lids and cardboard into ‘snow boards’ to enjoy
an afternoon frolic outdoors. The various ways to glide through snow have become more
sophisticated and have evolved into using polished boards or skis in much the same manner
as a surfboarder would ride a wave.
There have been many attempts at developing a modern snowboard. In 1965, the
‘Snurfer’ (a word play on ‘snow’ and ‘surfer’) was developed as a child’s toy. Two skis were
bound together and a rope was placed at the front end to afford control and stability. Over
500,000 ‘Snurfers’ were sold in 1966 but they were never seen as more than a child's
plaything even though organized competitions began to take place. The year 1969 brought a
slightly more sophisticated snowboard based on the principles of skiing combined with
surfboard styling.
The ‘Flying Yellow Banana’ was developed in 1977. This was nothing more than a
plastic shell covered with a top surface like that of a skateboard, but at the time it was
considered a major advance in the little known sport of snowboarding. The first national
snowboard race was held in the area outside Woodstock and was known as ‘The Suicide Six.’
The race consisted of a steep downhill run called The Face in which the main goal was
probably mere survival.
Snowboarding continued to increase in popularity over the next several years. In 1985
the first magazine dedicated specifically to snowboarding hit the news stands with huge
success and furthered the popularity of this exciting sport. Hoards of fans began to organize
regional events and pretty soon snowboarding events were held in all parts of the world. In
the year 1994 snowboarding was finally declared an Olympic event, much to the delight of
fans. The not-so-new sport of snowboarding was finally recognized and meant a huge victory
for serious snowboarders across the globe.
A collection of snowboarding tricks and stunts was released on video in 1996. Filmed
in Alaska, the breathtaking beauty and captivating snowboarding techniques featured in the
video exposed snowboarding to a new generation, and by 1998 snowboarding constituted
almost 50% of all winter activity. Today, nearly all ski resorts accept snowboarders. There
are still a few holding on to the past but this is unlikely to continue as the number of
snowboarders continually increases.
From the first crudely built snowboards to the advanced and specialized models
available today, snowboarders have carried a ‘bad boy’ image. This rebel reputation is still
9 Property Of JW Yulianto
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ACTIVE PASSIVE THEORY AND EXERCISE
21, 2009
common today in spite of the fact that snowboarding appeals to men, women, and children of
all nationalities and social groups. At most major ski resorts you can find snowboarding gear,
information, and lessons. Olympic and world wide snowboarding events are among the most
popular of winter sports and the competition to be the best is fierce.
Retailers nation wide and around the world carry many types of snowboards, and the
choice in specially made snowboarding gear is immense. Snowboarders have participated in
the X Games and even charity events such as Boarding for Breast Cancer. From its early
meager beginnings snowboarding has progressed into a fully recognized sport, and large
numbers of people are turning to snowboarding for adventure, fun, and professional
recognition.
Simple Past (Aktive) - Action or Situation In The Past (emphasises who did something)
To say who actually invented the sport of snowboarding would be impossible because
people have always loved to slide down a snow-covered hill. Soaring through the snow on
some kind of seat or board is nothing new. The ways to enjoy the snow are numerous, and
people have devised ways to turn garbage can lids and cardboard into ‘snow boards’ to enjoy
an afternoon frolic outdoors. The various ways to glide through snow have become more
sophisticated and have evolved into using polished boards or skis in much the same manner
as a surfboarder would ride a wave.
There have been many attempts at developing a modern snowboard. In 1965, the
‘Snurfer’ (a word play on ‘snow’ and ‘surfer’) was developed as a child’s toy. Two skis were
bound together and a rope was placed at the front end to afford control and stability. Over
500,000 ‘Snurfers’ were sold in 1966 but they were never seen as more than a child's
plaything even though organized competitions began to take place. The year 1969 brought a
slightly more sophisticated snowboard based on the principles of skiing combined with
surfboard styling.
The ‘Flying Yellow Banana’ was developed in 1977. This was nothing more than a
plastic shell covered with a top surface like that of a skateboard, but at the time it was
considered a major advance in the little known sport of snowboarding. The first national
snowboard race was held in the area outside Woodstock and was known as ‘The Suicide Six.’
The race consisted of a steep downhill run called The Face in which the main goal was
probably mere survival.
Snowboarding continued to increase in popularity over the next several years. In 1985
the first magazine dedicated specifically to snowboarding hit the news stands with huge
10 Property Of JW Yulianto
August
ACTIVE PASSIVE THEORY AND EXERCISE
21, 2009
success and furthered the popularity of this exciting sport. Hoards of fans began to organize
regional events and pretty soon snowboarding events were held in all parts of the world. In
the year 1994 snowboarding was finally declared an Olympic event, much to the delight of
fans. The not-so-new sport of snowboarding was finally recognized and meant a huge victory
for serious snowboarders across the globe.
A collection of snowboarding tricks and stunts was released on video in 1996. Filmed
in Alaska, the breathtaking beauty and captivating snowboarding techniques featured in the
video exposed snowboarding to a new generation, and by 1998 snowboarding constituted
almost 50% of all winter activity. Today, nearly all ski resorts accept snowboarders. There
are still a few holding on to the past but this is unlikely to continue as the number of
snowboarders continually increases.
From the first crudely built snowboards to the advanced and specialized models
available today, snowboarders have carried a ‘bad boy’ image. This rebel reputation is still
common today in spite of the fact that snowboarding appeals to men, women, and children of
all nationalities and social groups. At most major ski resorts you can find snowboarding gear,
information, and lessons. Olympic and world wide snowboarding events are among the most
popular of winter sports and the competition to be the best is fierce.
Retailers nation wide and around the world carry many types of snowboards, and the
choice in specially made snowboarding gear is immense. Snowboarders have participated in
the X Games and even charity events such as Boarding for Breast Cancer. From its early
meager beginnings snowboarding has progressed into a fully recognized sport, and large
numbers of people are turning to snowboarding for adventure, fun, and professional
recognition.
Exercise 3
Change The Sentences Below Into Passive Voice
1. He gave me a book
2. She is bringing them a parcel
3. Who could have written two books ?
4. When could he have written two books ?
5. Somebody should have waited Amir this morning
6. What will Ahmad write ?
7. Who is writing a letter ?
8. Who has beaten ali ?
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Exercise 4
Translate The Sentences Below Into Passive Voice
1. Saya terbangunkan oleh suara gaduh itu
2. Saya heran melihat dia
3. Dia tertarik dalam bahasa asing
4. Kita tidak terbiasa terhadap musim dingin
5. Saya telah membeli sebuah buku baru untuk dibaca
6. Dia mempunyai keluarga besar untuk dibantu
7. Buku ini mudah untuk dipahami
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Note : All of the exercise already answered. The highlighted word is the answer. For Exercise
2 the highlighted words don’t need to be changed or replaced because the participant will be
asked to find it and give an underline and for exercise 1 can be change into “fill in the blank”
question.
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