EXERCISE 29.1

Look at the following sentences, which use the passive voice. Then rewrite each sentence in the active voice, and decide which version you prefer and why. Example:

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  1. Mistakes were made.
    We made mistakes. (The active voice implies that the speaker is taking responsibility in a mature way.)

  2. Musical legends such as Ray Charles, Billie Holiday, and Johnny Cash have all influenced Norah Jones.
    Norah Jones has been influenced by such musical legends as Ray Charles, Billie Holiday, and Johnny Cash. (The passive voice puts the emphasis on a single musician who was affected by the music of three different predecessors.)

  3. Numerous reports of loud music from bars and shouting neighbors were taken by the city’s new noise complaint hotline.
    The city’s new noise complaint hotline took numerous reports about loud music from bars and shouting neighbors. (The active voice puts the focus on the new hotline.)

  4. The violin solo was performed by an eight-year-old.
    An eight-year-old performed the violin solo. (The active voice is more taut and dramatic.)

  5. In a patient with celiac disease, intestinal damage can be caused by the body’s immunological response to gluten.
    In a patient with celiac disease, the body’s immunological response to gluten damages the intestine. (Perhaps because both versions are long and technical, neither seems significantly better.)