Active vs. passive

Active vs. passive

Would you change the following sentences? If not, why not? Rewrite those that need clarification.


1. Rubber-coated bullets were fired into the crowd by police in riot gear.
The police in riot gear fired rubber bullets into the crowd.


2. Later in the day, the employees were informed of the layoffs by the boss himself.
The boss informed the employees of the layoffs later that day.


3. With five seconds left, a three-point shot was missed by LeBron James.
With five seconds left, Lebron James missed the three-point shot.


4. Participants in the survey were asked about their changes in political affiliation.

The survey asked participants about their changes in political affiliation.


5. Tall buildings and mountain roads were avoided by Raoul because he had such a fear of heights.

Raoul avoided tall buildings and mountain roads because he had such a fear of heights


6. The bill is being considered by the Legislature.
The Legislature is considering the bill.


7. The tiny island has been destroyed by the earthquake.

The earthquake has destroyed the tiny island.


8. The class is reading the book.

Leave it as it is. "The class reads the book" makes it sound like they are doing it this second.

9. An experimental operation was performed at the hospital yesterday.
Leave it as it is... The hospital itself cannot perform an operation.


10. The wheat field was covered by debris from the downed airliner.
The downed airliner covered the wheat field with debris.


Red flag: “To be” + past participle