First, identify the action word in the sentence. In this example, the action word is "tested."

The conveyor was tested by the assembly team to make sure it was operating properly.

Second, ask yourself, "Who or what did the action?"  In this example, the assembly team did the action.

The conveyor was tested by the assembly team to make sure it was operating properly.

If you learn who or what did the action before you get to the action word in the sentence, the sentence is written in active voice.

If you don't learn who or what did the action before you get to the action word, the sentence is written in passive voice.

In this case, we learn who or what did the action (the assembly team) after the action word (tested), so the sentence is written in passive voice.

First, identify the action word in the sentence. In this example, the action word is "records."

The assembly team records the inventory check results in the daily logs.

Second, ask yourself, "Who or what does the action?" In this example, the assembly team does the action.

The assembly team records the inventory check results in the daily logs.

In this case, we learn who or what does the action (the assembly team) before the action word (records), so the sentence is written in active voice.

Identify the action word. In this example, the action word is "goes."

The circuit board goes through a rigorous inspection before moving to the packaging area.

Who or what "goes?" The circuit board.

The circuit board goes through a rigorous inspection before moving to the packaging area.

In this case, we learn who or what did the action (the circuit board) before the action word (goes), so we determine that the sentence is written in active voice.

Identify the action word. In this example, the action word is "developed."

Procedures were developed to streamline the supply chain process.

Who or what developed the procedures? We don't know. The sentence does not contain that information.

Because we do not learn who or what did the action before the action word, we can determine that the sentence is written in passive voice.

Identify the action word. In this example, the action word is "conducted."

An audit was conducted to determine the cause of the errors.

Who or what conducted the audit? We don't know. The sentence does not contain that information.

Because we do not learn who or what did the action before the action word, we can determine that the sentence is written in passive voice.

Identify the action word. In this example, the action word is "conducted."

The error was discovered by the quality review team and corrected the next morning.

Who or what discovered the error? The quality review team.

The error was discovered by the quality review team and corrected the next morning.

Because we do not learn who or what did the action before the action word, we can determine that the sentence is written in passive voice.

Identify the action word. In this example, there are two action words: "filed" and "provided."

The quality review team filed its report and provided a summary for the supervisor.

Who or what "filed" and "provided?" The quality review team.

The quality review team filed its report and provided a summary for the supervisor.

In this case, we learn who or what did the action (the quality review team) before the first action word (filed), so we determine that the sentence is written in active voice.

Identify the action word. In this example, the action word is "presented" (or "will be presented").

Safety overviews will be presented during all staff meetings this month.

Who or what will present the safety overviews? We don't know. The sentence does not contain that information.

Because we do not learn who or what did (or will do) the action before the action word, we can determine that the sentence is written in passive voice.

Identify the action word. In this example, the action word is "considered."

Lean manufacturing processes have been considered essential for improving both productivity and customer satisfaction.

Who or what "considered?" We don't know. The sentence does not contain that information.

Because we do not learn who or what did (or will do) the action before the action word, we can determine that the sentence is written in passive voice.