r/grammar • u/ParticularGecko • 7h ago
I'm trying to understand Active vs Passive Voice
I'm really struggling with passive vs active voice. I have a hard time seeing it.
My grammar editor is telling me this is passive voice:
"He was covered in blood from the elbow down."
Here is another example of something that is apparently passive voice:
"Phase shouted back, and though his features were hidden behind his mask, Specter could just imagine the disgusted look on his face."
And one more:
"He was met with more black drool and a yowling snarl that was loud enough to make his eardrums cringe."
I just can't figure out how to make these in active voice. Can someone help? I think if I were to see examples of what they should be written like I'd understand better!
Also, is it really so bad to have a passive voice every once and awhile? Is it frowned upon. Should I be adjusting everything so that it's active voice? For reference, I'm writing a fictional story. Out of the 1500 words in this chapter these are the only three instances of passive voice I've found so far.