Passive Voice Detector Detect passive voice constructions in text with active voice suggestions.

What Is Passive Voice Detector?

Scans for passive constructions (subject receives action instead of performing it). Detects be-verb forms plus past participles, including multi-word auxiliaries like "has been" and get-passives. Reports percentage, shows instances in context, and provides rewriting examples. Most guides recommend under 10-15% passive voice.

Why Use Passive Voice Detector?

• Finds every passive construction with context
• Passive voice percentage against style guide targets
• Concrete rewriting examples
• Covers be-forms AND get-passives
• Multi-word auxiliary detection

Common Use Cases

Academic Writing

Journals increasingly prefer active voice.

Business Communication

Make reports more direct.

Content Writing

Strengthen blog posts.

Resume Writing

Replace passive with active achievements.

Technical Guide

Pattern matches be-verbs (am,is,are,was,were,been,being,has been,etc.) followed by past participles (100+ irregular forms + -ed/-en endings). Allows one adverb between auxiliary and participle. Tiers: >20% strong warning, 10-20% moderate, <10% acceptable.

Tips & Best Practices

• 1
  Passive is okay when actor is unknown or unimportant
• 2
  Above 20% prioritize the most impactful sentences
• 3
  Ask "who does the action?" to convert
• 4
  Scientific methods traditionally use passive
• 5
  Some passive constructions emphasize the right thing

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q Is passive always wrong?

No. Appropriate when actor is unknown or to emphasize action/recipient.

Q Acceptable percentage?

Under 10-15%. Academic may accept 20-30%.

Q Detects get-passives?

Yes: "got fired", "getting promoted".

Q How to convert?

Find actor, make subject, active verb: "cake was eaten by children" becomes "children ate the cake."

Q Catches everything?

Vast majority. Some unusual forms may be missed.

About This Tool

Passive Voice Detector is a free online tool by FreeToolkit.ai. All processing happens directly in your browser — your data never leaves your device. No registration or installation required.