Grammar / Voice

The voice of a verb specifies whether the subject of the verb performs and action or is receiving an action.

Active

When a verb is in the active voice, the subject of the verb performs the action.

Passive

When a verb is in the passive voice, the subject of the verb receives the action.

Middle

When a verb is in the middle voice, the subject of the verb both performs and is affected by the action.

Either middle or passive

Verbs in Greek have the same endings for middle and passive, and only the context can tell you which meaning is intended. Occasionally, either interpretation is valid.

Passive deponent

Passive deponent verbs are conjugated like passive verbs, but are semantically active.

Middle deponent

Middle deponent verbs are conjugated like middle verbs, but are semantically active.

Middle or passive deponent

Middle or passive deponent verbs are conjugated like middle/passive verbs but are semantically active.

No voice

Sometimes no voice is indicated, such as an adverbial imperative or a copular verb.