MINI RESEARCH

ACTIVE AND PASSIVE VOICE

COMPILER:

BINTANG ZALUKHU NIM:0105191068

COMMUNICATION SCIENCE-1

SEMESTER 1

SUPPORTING LECTURE:

YANI LUBIS, S.Ag., M. HUM.

COMMUNICATION SCIENCE STUDY PROGRAM

FACULTY OF SOCIAL SCIENCE

STATE ISLAMIC UNIVERSITY OF NORTH SUMATERA

2019

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 PREFACE
In the name of Allah, the Most Compassionate and the Most Merciful, let us give
thanks to His presence who has bestowed His grace and guidance on us so that author can
complete this mini research on "Active and Passive Voice". Shalawat and greetings do not
forget we always present to the lord of our Prophet, the Prophet Muhammad who has
delivered instructions for us all.

The author wishes to thank, Drs. Yani Lubis, M.A. as an English lecturer who has
guided the author to complete this mini research.

Therefore the author accepts all criticism and suggestions from readers, so that the
writer can improve this mini research. Hopefully this mini research can be useful and
beneficial for readers.

Medan, December 23, 2019

Author

Bintang Zalukhu

NIM: 0106191068

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 TABLE OF CONTENTS

PREFACE..........................................................................................................................ii
TABLE OF CONTENTS.....................................................................................................iii
CHAPTER I INTRODUCTION...........................................................................................1
1.1 Background of Study..................................................................................1
1.2 Problem of the Study.................................................................................1
1.3 Objective of the Study................................................................................1
1.4 Significan of the Study................................................................................2
CHAPTER III THEORITICAL REVIEW................................................................................3
2.1 Definition of Active and Passive Voice.......................................................3
2.2 Function of Active and Passive Voice.........................................................3
2.3 The Process of Active and Passive Voice....................................................3
CHAPTER III RESEARCH METHOD................................................................................11
3.1 Metodology of Research..........................................................................11
3.2 Population and Sample............................................................................11
3.3 Instrument of Research............................................................................12
3.4 Technique for Collecting Data..................................................................12
CHAPTER IV RESULT OF RESEARCH AND DISCUSSIONS..............................................13
4.1 Result Of Research...................................................................................13
4.2 Discussions...............................................................................................13
CHAPTER V CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTION.............................................................14
5.1 Conclusion................................................................................................14
5.2 Suggestion................................................................................................14

REFERENCE............................................................................................................15

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 CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background of Study

In daily life, humans are never separated from daily activities. Starting from
waking up to going back to sleep. Of course a lot of work done by humans in their
lives.

This is not far from communication or statements in the form of transitive

verbs that have two voices (grammatical variety), namely active and passive.
However, there are still many learning materials that cannot distinguish between
passive and active voice in the use of these transitive verbs. Therefore, mini research
on active and passive voice is needed.

1.2 Problem of the Study

The formulation of the problems in the research of this mini research include:

1. What is the meaning of passive and active voice?

2. What is the function of passive and active voice?

3. How is the process of passive and active voice?

4. What is the method used in the passive and active voice mini research?

1.3 Objective of the Research

1. To find out the meaning of passive and active voice

2. To understand the purpose of passive and active voice

3. To understand the process of passive and active voice

4. To find out the method used in mini research about passive and active voice
 1.4 Significan of the Research
This mini research certainly has very many benefits for the general public or for the
readers, especially as a support for teaching and learning activities between students and
lecturers to understand the use of active and passive voice.

CHAPTER II
THEORITICAL REVIEW

2.1 Definition of Active and Passive Voice

Transitive verbs have two voices (grammatical variety), namely active and passive
voice. Active voice is an active form, while passive voice is a passive form. 1

1 John S. Hartono, dkk, English Grammar, (Surabaya: Penerbit Indah, 2009), p. 278.

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 So the understanding of active and passive voice is:2

1. Active voice is a sentence whose subject does something work that is explained by
the predicate and object.

2. Passive voice is a sentence whose subject is subjected to a job or suffer something.

2.2 Function of Active and Passive Voice

The purpose or function of active and passive voice is used to show interest in
someone or an object that is subject to an action and not someone or object that is doing
the action. So, the most important thing or person will be the subject of the sentence. 3

2.3 The Process of Active and Passive Voice

We must know when to use the active and passive voice, the ability to change the
active voice into the passive and vice versa is not sufficient.4
Transformation of Active and Passive Voice:5
An idea is optionally expressed either in the active or in the passive sentence. The
choice is based on whether the object is considered more thematic or not. Generally, both
choices carry the same meaning.
a. He lecturers appointed him Dean.  He was appointed Dean by the
lecturers.
b. Who taught you syntax?
By whom were you taught syntax?
c. It is time to close the office.
It is time for the office to be closed.
d. The public will learn that the government is successful.
It will be learned that the government is successful.
e. Did you never hear that name?
Was that name never heard?
f. Why did he defraud your salary?
Why was your salary defraud by him?
g. Many people say there is a ghost in this old building.
It is said that there is a ghost in this old building.
2 Windy Novia, Essential English Grammar, (Jakarta: Gama Press, 2009), p. 278.
3 University of Cambridge, Function of the Active and Passive Voice, (Cambridge: Education First,
2008), p. 1.

4 Wren and Martin, High School English Grammar and Composition, (India: Schand Publications,
2013), p. 69.
5 Jumino Suhadi, Islamic University of North Sumatera Medan, Course in English Structure, (Medan:
LPPM UISU Press, 2012), p. 194

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 h. Give the certificate to him.
Let the certificate be given to him.
Let him be given the certificate.

A sentence can be either in the active or passive voice. In active sentence, the subject
performs the action. In a passive sentence, the subject receives the action. 6

Compare:

1. Rama helps Doni (active sentence)

2. Doni is helped by Rama (passive sentence)
It will be seen that these two sentences express the same meaning. But, in the
sentence 1, the form of verb shows that the person denoted by the subject does something.

Rama (the person denoted by the subject does something).

The verb helps is said to be in the active voice.

In the sentence 2, the form of the verb shows that something is done to the person
denoted by the subject.

Something is done to Doni (the person denoted by the subject).

The verb helped is said to be in the passive voice.

A verb is in the active voice when it is form shows (as is sentence 1) that the person
or thing denoted by the subject does something or in other words, in the doer of the action.

A verb is in the passive voice when it is form shows (as in sentence 2) that something
is done to the person or thing denoted by the subject.

Transitive verb has two voice:7

1. Active voice: here the people, animal, or the tings as a subject said to do something
to the other something.
Example: Kasno killed a tiger.
2. Passive voice: here the people, animal, or the things suffer something from the other
something.
Example: A tiger was killed by Kasno.

6 Tien Rafida, Integrated Basic English For Islamic College, (Medan: Perdana Publishing, 2017), p. 182.
7 A. J. Thomson and A.V. Martnet, A Practical Grammar, (Oxford: OU Press, 1986), p. 188.

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 This is passive form formula:8
To Be + Past Participle
a. Intransitive verb is not use at passive form, except that verb use cognate object at
active form:
1. She sang a fine song
2. A fine song was sung by her
b. If the active sentence will change into the passive, object to active verb be a
subject to passive verb.
Object to active verb:
1. Linda can make tarts.

Subject to passive verb:

1. Tarts can be made by Linda

c. Retained
Object (the object still use in passive form)
Two object in active sentence, when it change into passive sentence, the object
still defense object and this object called with retained object.9
1. Indirect object from verb, example:

Active Verb Passive Verb

We gave him a prize. A prize was given him by us.

2. Direct object from active verb, example:

Active Verb Passive Verb

We gave him a prize. He was given a prize by us.

Note the change from the active voice to the passive voice in the following
sentence:10

a. Active Voice
1. Sita loves Ridho
2. The mason is building the wall
3. The peon opened the gate
4. Some boys were helping the wounded man
5. He will finish the work in a fortnight
8 Raymond Murphy and Roann Altman, Grammar in Use Reference and Practice, (Australia:
Cambridge University Press, 1998), p. 80.
9 Jumino Suhadi, Course in English Functional Grammar, (Medan: LPPM UISU, 2015), p. 59.
10 Elaine Walker, Grammar Practice for Elementary Students, (England:PEL, 2000), p. 89.

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 6. Who did this?
7. Why did your brother write such a letter?
b. Passive Voice
1. Ridho is loved by Sita
2. The wall is being built by the mason
3. The gate was opened by the peon
4. The wounded man was being helped by some boys
5. The work will be finished by him in a fortnight
6. By whom was this done?
7. Why was such a letter written by your brother?

Since the object of a verb in the active voice becomes the subject of the passive
form, it follows that only transitive verb can be used in the passive voice, because an
transitive verb has no object.11
The following are active sentences that are converted into passive sentences in the
form of the following tenses:12
Simple Present Tense
Active Voice: Passive Voice:
1. John bites Mary 1. Mary is bitten by John
2. John doesn’t bite Mary 2. Mary isn’t bitten by John
3. Does John bite Mary? 3. Is Mary bitten by John?
4. What does John do? 4. What is done by John?
5. Who bites Mary? 5. Who is Mary bitten by?
6. Who does John bite? 6. Who is bitten by John?

Simple Continuous Tense

Active Voice: Passive Voice:

1. John is biting Mary 1. Mary is being bitten by John
2. John isn’t biting Mary 2. Mary isn’t being bitten by John
3. Is John biting Marry? 3. Is Mary being bitten by John?
4. What is John doing? 4. What is being done by John?
5. Who is biting Mary? 5. Who is Mary being bitten by John?
6. Who is John biting? 6. Who is being bitten by John?

Present Perfect Tense

Active Voice: Passive Voice:

1. John bitten Mary 1. Mary has been bitten by John
2. John hasn’t bitten Mary 2. Mary hasn’t been bitten by John
3. Has John bitten Mary? 3. Has Mary been bitten by John?

11 L.G. Alexander, Practice and Progress, (Yogyakarta: Kanisius, 1975), p. 89.

12 George Allan and Unwin Ltd, Grammar for Everyone, (London: Routledge, 1956), p. 85-86.

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 4. What was John done?
5. Who has bitten Mary?
6. Who has John bitten?
Present Perfect Continuous Tense
Active Voice:
1. John has been biting Mary
2. John hasn’t been biting Mary
3. Has John been biting Mary?
4. What has John been doing?
5. Who has been biting Mary?
Simple Past Tense
Active Voice:
1. John bit Mary
2. John didn’t bite Mary?
3. Did John bite Mary?
4. What did John do?
5. Who bit Mary?
6. Who did John bite?
Past Continuous Tense
Active Voice:
1. John was biting Mary
2. John wasn’t biting Mary
3. Was John biting Mary?
4. What was John doing?
5. Who was biting Mary?
6. Who was John biting?
Past Perfect Tense
1. John had bitten Mary
2. John hadn’t been biting Mary
3. Had John been biting Mary?
4. What had John been doing?
5. Who had been biting Mary?
6. Who had John been biting?
Future Tense
4. What has been done by John?
5. Who has Mary been bitten by?
6. Who has been bitten by John?
Passive Voice:
1. Mary has been being bitten by John
2. Mary hasn’t been being bitten by John
3. Has Mary been being bitten by John?
4. What has been being done by John?
5. Who has Mary been being bitten by John?
Passive Voice:
1. Mary was bitten by John
2. Mary wasn’t bitten by John
3. Was Mary bitten by Jhon?
4. What was done by John?
5. Who was Mary bitten by?
6. Who was bitten by John?
Passive Voice:
1. Mary was being bitten by John
2. Mary wasn’t being bitten by John
3. Was Mary being bitten by John?
4. What was being done by John?
5. Who was Mary being bitten by?
6. Who was being bitten by John?
1. Mary had been bitten by John
2. Mary hadn’t been being bitten by John
3. Had Mary been being bitten by John
4. What had been being done by John?
5. Who had Mary been being bitten by John?
6. Who had being bitten by John?
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Active Voice:
1. John will bite Mary
2. John won’t bite Mary
3. Will John bite Mary?
4. What will John do?
5. Who will be biting Mary?
6. Who will John be bitting?
Future Perfect Tense
Active Voice:
1. John will have bitten Mary
2. John won’t have bitten Mary
3. Will John have bitten Mary?
4. What will John have done?
5. Who will have bitten Mary?
6. Who will John have bitten?
Future Perfect Continuous Tense
Active Voice:
1. John will have been biting Mary
2. John won’t have been biting Mary
3. Will John have been biting Mary?
4. What will John have been doing?
5. Who will have been biting Mary?
6. Who will John have been biting?
Passive Voice:
1. Mary will be bitten by John
2. Mary won’t be bitten by John
3. Will Mary be bitten by John?
4. What will be done by John?
5. Who will Mary be being bitten by?
6. Who will be being bitten by John?
Passive Voice:
1. Mary will have been bitten by John
2. Mary won’t have been bitten by John?
3. Will Mary have been bitten by John?
4. What will have been done by John?
5. Who will Mary have been bitten by?
6. Who will have been bitten by John?
Passive Voice:
1. Mary will have been being bitten by John
2. Mary won’t have been being bitten by John
3. Will Mary have been being bitten by John?
4. What will have been being done by John?
5. Who will Mary have been being bitten by?
6. Who will have been being bitten by John?
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 CHAPTER III

RESEARCH METHOD

3.1 Metodology of Research

The research methodology used in this research is descriptive qualitative research,

the data collected in the form of words, images, not numbers. 13

According to Bogdan and Taylor, as quoted by Lexy J. Moleong, qualitative research is

a research procedure that produces descriptive data in the form of written or oral words
from people and observed behavior.14

3.2 Population and Sample

A population is a collection of all measurements, objects or individuals that are being

studied.15

13 Sudarwan Danim, Menjadi Peneliti Kualitatif Rancangan Metodologi, Presentasi, dan Publikasi Hasil
Penelitian untuk Mahasiswa dan Penelitian Pemula Bidang Ilmu Sosial, Pendidikan, dan Humaniora, (Bandung:
Remaja Rosdakarya, 2002), Cet. I, p. 51.
14 Lexy J. Moleong, Metodologi Penelitian Kualitatif , (Bandung: PT Remaja Rosdakarya, 2000), p. 3.
15 Harinaldi, Prinsip-Prinsip Statistik Untuk Sains dan Teknologi, (Jakarta: Erlangga, 2005), p. 2.

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 The sample is a portion of the population that is used as a source of research data.
The sample is used because it is more efficient than using population as a source of data
including:16

1. Time

2. Energy

3. Costs, or

4. The level of damage is small

So, researchers conducted research choosing non random sample techniques,

because this technique is usually used in qualitative research in the form of purposive
sampling, also known as judgment sampling. Purposive sampling is a sampling technique
based on certain considerations or objectives of the researcher and can represent a sample.

3.3 Instrument of Research

Research instruments are tools that are needed or used to collect data. In qualitative
research or the main instrument in data collection is humans, the researchers themselves or
others who help researchers.

3.4 Technique for Collecting Data

The qualitative data collection technique is to use the interview method, which is a
method that is carried out with question and answer verbally and face to face. In this
interview method, the researcher interviewed a UISU graduate majoring in English
literature.

16 Bayu Pirmansyah and Desy, Populasi dan Sampling (Makalah Metodologi Penelitian, Jakarta, 2014),
p. 2.

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 CHAPTER IV

RESULT OF RESEARCH AND DISCUSSIONS

4.1 Result Of Research

The results of this study are that the informants stated that passive and active
sentences are two things that are always present in any language, including in English. This
time we will discuss the differences between passive voice and active voice. 17

The resource person stated, first understand that the "voice" in the verb is the
relationship between the subject and the activity or verb in the sentence. This form of voice
can be active or passive.

Passive voice describes the activities that occur on the subject in a sentence. That is
why the verb used is called passive. Whereas active voice is an opposite form of passive
voice. Active voice explains verbs in a sentence. Actually active voice is more commonly used
in English than passive voice. The expressions on active voice describe activities or verbs
such as running, walking, eating, etc.

17 Interview with Siti Khairunisah, December 23, 2019, at Sei Balai.

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 4.2 DISCUSSION

Discussions conducted with the interview method regarding active and passive voice
have been discussed. This further adds strong evidence for researchers to fulfill the
assignments of English courses submitted by supporting lecturers namely Yani Lubis, S.AG.,
M.HUM. used in research or interviews about active and passive voice.

CHAPTER V
CONCLUSION AND SUGGESTION

5.1 CONCLUSION

Active voice is a sentence whose subject does something work that is explained by
the predicate and object while passive voice is a sentence whose subject is subjected to a
job or suffers something.

5.2 SUGGESTION

After reading the results of this mini research it is hoped that readers, especially
students, will be even more active in learning English, especially in lessons or the use of
active and passive voice

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 REFERENCES

Alexander, L.G. 1975. Practice and Progress. Yogyakarta: Kanisius.

Allan, George and Ltd, Unwin.1956. Grammar for Everyone. London: Routledge.
Danim, Sudarwan. 2002. Menjadi Peneliti Kualitatif Rancangan Metodologi, Presentasi, dan
Publikasi Hasil Penelitian untuk Mahasiswa dan Penelitian Pemula Bidang Ilmu
Sosial, Pendidikan, dan Humaniora. Bandung: Remaja Rosdakarya.
Harinaldi. 2005. Prinsip-Prinsip Statistik Untuk Sains dan Teknologi. Jakarta: Erlangga.
Hartono, John S, dkk.2009. English Grammar. Surabaya: Penerbit Indah.
Moleong, Lexy J. 2000. Metodologi Penelitian Kualitatif. Bandung: PT Remaja Rosdakarya.
Murphy, Raymondand and Altman, Roann. 1998. Grammar in Use Reference and Practice,
Australia: Cambridge University Press.
Novia, Windy. 2009. Essential English Grammar. Jakarta: Gama Press.
Pirmansyah, Bayu and Desy. Populasi dan Sampling dalam Makalah Metodologi Penelitian, p.
2. September 2014.
Rafida, Tien. 2017. Integrated Basic English For Islamic College. Medan: Perdana Publishing.

Suhadi, Jumino and Islamic University of North Sumatera Medan. 2012. Course in English
Structure. Medan: LPPM UISU Press.
Suhadi, Jumino. 2015. Course in English Functional Grammar. Medan: LPPM UISU Press.
Thomson, A. J. and Martnet, A.V. 1986. A Practical Grammar. Oxford: OU Press.

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University of Cambridge. 2008. Function of the Active and Passive Voice. Cambridge:
Education First.
Walker, Elaine. 2000. Grammar Practice for Elementary Students. England: PEL.

Wren and Martin. 2013. High School English Grammar and Composition. India: Schand
Publications.
Interview with Siti Khairunisah, December 23, 2019, at Sei Balai.

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