Term: Active

Definition:

English verbs can be in either the Active or the Passive Voice. Voice shows the relationship between the verb and the noun phrases. In a sentence in the active, the person or thing that performed the action is the Subject of the Verb.

eg: I wrote the letter.

In a sentence in the Passive the Object of the active sentence is used as the subject of the verb.

eg: The letter was sent yesterday.

See Also: Ergative Verb; Middle Verb;

'Active' - Related Links

Grammar Topic: Verbs and Tenses

Browse the following links to other content related to 'Active' from the 'Verbs and Tenses' grammar category:

Glossary Entries

Quizzes

Beginner:

Intermediate:

Advanced:

A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N | O | P | Q | R | S | T | U | V | W | X | Y | Z

Printable page

E-mail this page