The Cranky Language Lady: Wednesday Grammar Quiz for Grownups

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Grammar Quiz #14 — Picnic and Passive Voice

Sentences that use active voice are generally clearer and more concise than sentences that use passive voice. With active voice, the subject of the sentence performs the action of the verb, rather than receiving it.


Rewrite the paragraph below so that all the sentences are in active voice.


The family members planning to attend the Fogarty family reunion were notified at the last minute by Aunt Amelia that they should not come. The fruit salad had been nibbled on by squirrels, and the potato chips had been soaked by a sprinkler accidentally turned on by Uncle Orville. Worse, the picnic table had been set on fire by little Orville, Jr., when a spark caught on the paper tablecloth. The flames had been noticed by the neighbors, and the fire department had been called. Aunt Amelia’s mood had not been improved when a lecture was given to her and Uncle Orville about the importance of teaching children not to play with matches.


View a possible revision here.