66Crime andPunishmentPassive Voice

On the night of January 12th, Star Video on Main Street was burglarized. The police reported the following: The glass door was broken and the alarm was disconnected. The suspect, who was watching a video, was found in a back room. Police were led to the suspect by a trail of popcorn and gummy bears. He was taken to the police station for questioning. Crime ReportExamples of Passive Voice:

Legal System in the U.S. If a crime is committed, a suspect is usually arrested and taken to jail. A lawyer is called and the suspect is interviewed. If a trial is necessary, jurors are selected. If the defendant is found guilty, he is sentenced by the judge to serve time in prison. Examples of Passive Voice:

Be (not)Past Participle(by + Object)SubjectPassive Voice = Be + Past Participle + (by + Object)Form

Active vs. Passive 1The police arrested the criminal.The criminal was arrested by the police.Subject is doing the action.Active voiceSubject is receiving the action.Passive voiceActive sentences focus on the agent (person or thing doing the action). Passive sentences focus on the object (person or thing receiving the action).

Active vs. Passive 2The case is reviewed by a judge.Passive VoiceA judge reviews the case.Someone removed the videos.The videos were removed.The jury didnt find the defendant guilty.The defendant wasnt found guilty.Active Voice

1. The lawyer instructed the jury.Identify the agent and receiver of the action. Are the verbs active or passive?Practice 12. The jury was instructed by the lawyer.Receiver of theactionPassive voiceAgent of theactionActive voice

Identify the agent and receiver of the action. Are the verbs active or passive?Practice 21. The case was read by the judge.2. The judge read the case.Agent ofthe actionActive voiceReceiver of the actionPassive voice

Use the passive voice when the agent of the action is unknown or not important.Use of Passive Voice 1Pictures and fingerprints are taken.Jurors are selected.

Use the passive voice when we want to avoid mentioning the agent.Use of Passive Voice 2Paulo committed a crime.A crime was committed.Active voicePaolo isresponsible.Passive voiceWe dont know who is responsible.

Use a by phrase when it is important to know who performs the action.By PhrasesThe video store was burglarized by a former employee.The information is surprising.

Change the sentences from active to passive voice.Practice 3The lawyers submitted evidence.Evidence was submitted by the lawyers.1. The witness answered questions.2. The prosecution raised objections.3. Jurors take notes.Questions were answered (by the witness).Objections were raised (by the prosecution).Notes are taken (by the jurors).Example:

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