How would I change these sentences from the passive to active voice?
The Epistle to the Hebrews is said to have been written anywhere from 60-95 C.E . The authorship of the Epistle to the Hebrews has been a heavily debated issue since the passage was written, because it is unknown. It was believed for a great length of time that Paul was the original author, however with comparing this writing to his other epistles, it lacked many similarities.
To change the sentences from passive to active voice, you need to rephrase them so that the subject is performing the action. Here's how you can do it:
1. The passive sentence: "The Epistle to the Hebrews is said to have been written anywhere from 60-95 C.E."
The active version: "Scholars say that someone wrote the Epistle to the Hebrews anywhere from 60-95 C.E."
Explanation: In the active voice, we mention the subject (scholars) who are performing the action (saying) and attribute it to a specific person (someone).
2. The passive sentence: "The authorship of the Epistle to the Hebrews has been a heavily debated issue since the passage was written because it is unknown."
The active version: "Scholars have heavily debated the authorship of the Epistle to the Hebrews since the passage was written because it is unknown."
Explanation: In the active voice, we identify the subject (scholars) who are performing the action (debating) and provide a clearer reason for the debate.
3. The passive sentence: "It was believed for a great length of time that Paul was the original author; however, comparing this writing to his other epistles, it lacked many similarities."
The active version: "People believed for a great length of time that Paul was the original author; however, when comparing this writing to his other epistles, it lacked many similarities."
Explanation: In the active voice, we specify that "people" believed, indicating who held the belief. Additionally, we rephrase the comparison to make it clearer.
By using the active voice, you make the sentences more direct and emphasize the subject performing the action, which often results in clearer and more engaging writing.