A verb phrase is in the passive voice when its subject represents (1) something that is connected with the act expressed in the phrase in some other way than as actor, (2) that which is possessed, (3) that which is owed, or (4) that which is needed or lacked. Only the first case is common. It is evident that every verb phrase in the passive voice is attributive and transitive.

A verb or a verb phrase is said to be in the active voice when its subject represents the actor, the possessor, the one who needs, or the one who owes. A verb or verb phrase in the active voice must be attributive.