Active and passive voice

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Hi there,I'm having trouble with big paragraphs when it comes to retructuring them into the active voice from passive voice.I can understsand the simple ones such as     Emmanuel is liked by many people.                                                                  Many people like Emmanuel.But am struggling on where to start with this one;               For over 150 years an effort to make science both relevant and exciting to the public has been undertaken by the Boston Museum of Science. Today, over 800,000 visitors are welcomed every year to examine its more than 400 exhibits in the natural and physical sciences. since scientific exhibits must continually be designed and built by the Scienc Museum's staff. Only in this way can a sense of wonder, curiousity and value be invoked in visitors, both young and old.Can you please help me on where to start? Can you help me identify the verbs in the sentences - eg am a little unsure if verb in first sentence is effort,relevant,exciting - I'm struggling to know what's what.Any help and suggestions very much appreciated.Thanks,Debbie

Clive · Accepted Answer

Hi,

But am struggling on where to start with this one;

For over 150 years an effort to make science both relevant and exciting to the public has been undertaken by the Boston Museum of Science.

The verb is 'has been undertaken'.

Try to find the subject first.

Who has done something? The Boston Museum.

What did it do? It undertook an effort . . .

Today, over 800,000 visitors are welcomed every year to examine its more than 400 exhibits in the natural and physical sciences.

Who welcomes them? The Museum.

since scientific exhibits must continually be designed and built by the Scienc Museum's staff.

Who must do something? The staff.

What must they do?

Only in this way can a sense of wonder, curiousity and value be invoked in visitors, both young and old.

Who or what invokes?

Post again if you need more help.

Best wishes, Clive

CalifJim · Answer

AnonymousBut am struggling on where to start with this one;

For over 150 years an effort to make science both relevant and exciting to the public has been undertaken by the Boston Museum of Science. Today, over 800,000 visitors are welcomed every year to examine its more than 400 exhibits in the natural and physical sciences. since scientific exhibits must continually be designed and built by the Scienc Museum's staff. Only in this way can a sense of wonder, curiousity and value be invoked in visitors, both young and old.

Where to start? Hmm. Look for the by phrases and make them subjects. If there's no by phrase, make up an appropriate subject.

The Boston Museum of Science has undertaken ...
The museum welcomes over 800,000 visitors ...
since the Science Museum's staff must ... design and build ...
... this way can visitors, both young and old, experience a sense of ...

I used some license on the last one. I'll leave it to you to work out a more exact equivalent if you need to do so.

CJ

Active and passive voice

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