Question

The potholes are being repaired by the workers. Hot, black was poured into the potholes by the crew. Safe driving on the part of the public is appreciated by the road crew to insure their safety. Active or passive?​

Answer 1

The provided sentences are all examples of sentences in passive voice, where the focus is on the action being received rather than the subject performing the action.

Step-by-step explanation:

The sentences described are all in passive voice. In a passive voice sentence, the subject is acted upon by the verb. For example, 'The potholes are being repaired by the workers' shows that the workers (the agents) are performing the action, but the focus is on the potholes, not the workers. Similarly, 'Hot, black was poured' has the material (the hot, black asphalt) as the subject receiving the action rather than the crew performing the action. Lastly, 'Safe driving is appreciated by the road crew' highlights that the appreciation is for the safe driving, placing the emphasis on the action received rather than the one who appreciates.

It's important to understand the difference between active and passive voice for clear and effective writing. While the passive voice is sometimes necessary or useful, the active voice often makes statements more direct and vigorous.