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Self-Test: Active/passive constructions

Think you understand active and passive constructions?

1. In an active construction,
the subject is concrete.
 the direct object is active.
 the subject is the doer of the action.
 the agent is expressed by the indirect object.
2. In a passive construction,
the subject is usually plural.
 the subject is the receiver of the action.
 the subject is indefinite.
 the subject is understood.
3. Select the sentences that are active.
The olives were eaten by the hungry patrons.
 John opened the can.
 The date was set for the wedding.
 He lost the bet.

4. Select the sentences that are passive.
The cat caught the mouse.
 The window was shattered by the bullet.
 A letter is written whenever there is a problem.
 Sam bought a sports car.

5. It's usually better to write using active constructions. Rewrite the following sentences and make them active. (Use a simple [one-word] verb and include the definite article [the] where appropriate. Don't forget the period at the end!)

A letter was written by Tom.

The bet was lost by the students.

Doctor Faustus was taken by the devil.

The donuts were eaten by Scott.

So how did you do? Use your incorrect responses to guide you through another review.

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