Introduction

Relevance of the Theme

Understanding the verb voices is fundamental for the construction of meaning and coherence in statements, ensuring the correct expression of actions, states, and processes. The verb voices are syntactic markers that reveal the role of each element in the sentence and allow the logical connection between ideas. By familiarizing ourselves with the active, passive, and reflexive voices, we enhance our communication and interpretation skills, becoming more proficient in the Portuguese language.

Contextualization

In the curriculum scope, the verb voices establish a bridge between the structure and semantics of the sentence, guiding our exploration of grammar towards more complex levels of meaning. This unit, therefore, is inserted in the didactic sequence of the Portuguese Language discipline after the study of the verb (its concept and classification) and before the study of textual cohesion processes. Essentially, this is the necessary knowledge base to understand how the verb operates in different contexts, whether in simple sentences or as part of a longer narrative.

Theoretical Development

Components of the Notes:

• Introduction to the Theme: In this section, we will investigate the origins and reasons for the existence of verb voices, as well as the linguistic meaning that each one plays. See how this leads us to a deeper understanding of the dynamics of the Portuguese language.

• Exploration of the Voices: Here, we will deepen our understanding of the active, passive, and reflexive voices and how the sentence structure is modified in each of them. This is the heart of the topic, where the secrets of expression in Portuguese are revealed.

• Illustrative Examples: In this section, we will bring examples of how the verb voices operate in practice, demystifying the theory and facilitating its application. After all, theory without practice is just a set of rules on paper.

Key Terms:

• Active Voice: The active voice is the most common and direct. In it, the subject performs the action expressed by the verb, without the need for any reservation. This is the most basic and usual way to construct a sentence.

• Passive Voice: The passive voice is an alternative to the active voice, in which the subject receives the action expressed by the verb. The passive construction is marked by the use of the auxiliary verb 'to be' and the past participle. This type of voice allows emphasis on the action or the object of the action when these are more relevant than the agent who performs the action.

• Reflexive Voice: The reflexive voice occurs when the subject is both the agent and the patient of the action. In other words, the action of the verb turns back on the subject itself. In this case, the reflexive pronoun, which indicates the action directed towards the subject, can be one of the following: myself, yourself, himself/herself/itself, ourselves, yourselves. This voice is frequently used to express actions that directly affect the subject.

Examples and Cases:

• Active Voice: 'The boy ate the cake.' In this example, the subject (boy) performs the action (eating the cake) expressed by the verb. The sentence is in the active voice.

• Passive Voice: 'The cake was eaten by the boy.' Here, the subject of the active voice (boy) becomes the agent of the passive voice (by the boy), and the direct object (the cake) becomes the subject of the sentence. The action (was eaten) is received by the subject (the cake). The sentence is now in the passive voice.

• Reflexive Voice: 'Maria combed her hair before dinner.' In this case, Maria is both the agent and the patient of the action (combing her hair), which turns back to herself. The sentence is, therefore, in the reflexive voice.

Detailed Summary

Key Points:

• Importance of Verb Voices: The verb voices allow the expression of different nuances and perspectives in sentence formation, contributing to the effectiveness of communication and enriching the language. Understanding the active, passive, and reflexive voices is essential for mastering the language.

• Active Voice: The active voice is the most common mode of expression, in which the subject directly performs the action indicated by the verb. Working mainly with direct and indirect transitive verbs, its structures are essential for forming cohesive and clear sentences.

• Passive Voice: The passive voice, in turn, aims to focus attention on the action or the object that receives it, rather than on the one who performs it. By transforming the direct object into the subject, the verb in the verbal phrase becomes auxiliary, supported by the particle 'by,' and the agent of the action (the doer) is introduced by the preposition 'by.'

• Reflexive Voice: The reflexive voice is used to express actions that the subject performs on itself. Thus, the subject is both the agent and the patient of the action simultaneously. It is important to emphasize that reflexive pronouns must necessarily agree with the subject to maintain the integrity of the sentence.

Conclusions:

• Differentiation between the Voices: A differentiated understanding of each of the verb voices contributes to the construction of a richer, more flexible discourse that is adaptable to different communication situations.

• Uses and Applications: Each verb voice has its own structures and uses, which influence the interpretation of sentences. Thus, the context and the sender's intention are decisive when choosing one voice over another.

• Exercises and Practice: Systematic practice of identifying and transforming verb voices in the classroom and at home helps reinforce the content and improve students' linguistic competence.

Exercises:

1. Identify the verb voice: 'The child broke the vase.'
2. Transform the sentence below from active voice to passive voice: 'The dog ate the food.'
3. Write a sentence in the reflexive voice using the verb 'to cut'.