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What is Voice of a verb?

The voice of a verb expresses whether the subject in the sentence has performed or received the action.

Example:

 The watchman opens the door.

 The door is opened by the watchman.

Types of Voices of Verb

Verbs have two voices (i) Active Voice (ii) Passive Voice

Active Voice – When an action performed by the subject is expressed by the verb, it is an active voice. Active voice is used when

more straightforward relation and clarity is required between the subject and the verb.

Active Voice example:

 Hens lay eggs.

 Birds build nests.

Passive Voice – When the action expressed by the verb is received by the subject, it is passive voice. Passive voice is used when

the doer of the action is not known and the focus of the sentence is on the action and not the subject.

Passive Voice Examples:

 Eggs are laid by hens.

 Nests are built by birds.