Passive voice and middle voice are both grammatical constructions that differ in how the subject and verb interact.

Passive voice is a construction where the subject of a sentence is the recipient of the action, and the focus is on the action rather than the doer. For example, “The book was read by Mary.” In this sentence, the book is the subject receiving the action of being read.

Middle voice, on the other hand, is a construction where the subject acts upon itself or is somehow affected by the action, but the focus is neither solely on the doer nor the receiver of the action. It is often used for reflexive or reciprocal actions. For example, “I washed myself.” Here, the subject “I” is acting upon itself.

Distinguishing between passive voice and middle voice is essential for precise grammar usage and analysis because it helps convey the intended meaning clearly. Using the wrong voice can lead to ambiguity or confusion in communication. Understanding the differences between these two voices allows writers to craft sentences that accurately reflect the relationship between the subject and the action, leading to more effective and efficient communication.