Exercise: Rewriting sentences using the active voice

EXERCISE 50.1

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

Click Submit after each question to record your answer. If your instructor has assigned this exercise set, you must answer every question before your answers will be submitted to the gradebook.

  1. Mistakes were made.
    Mistakes were made.
  2. The chair’s address was interrupted by hecklers.
    The chair’s address was interrupted by hecklers.
  3. Numerous reports of loud music from bars and shouting neighbors were taken by the city’s new noise complaint hotline.
    Numerous reports of loud music from bars and shouting neighbors were taken by the city’s new noise complaint hotline.
  4. The violin solo was performed by an eight-year-old.
    The violin solo was performed by an eight-year-old.
  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, intestinal damage can be caused by the body’s immunological response to gluten.