The sentence "The dog bit the boy" is written in active voice.

Explanation:
In English grammar, sentences can be written in two voices: active voice and passive voice. The difference between the two lies in the way the subject and the object of the sentence are positioned.

Active Voice:
In an active voice sentence, the subject performs the action stated by the verb. The subject is the doer of the action, while the object receives the action.

Passive Voice:
In a passive voice sentence, the subject receives the action stated by the verb. The subject is the receiver of the action, while the object (or the doer of the action) is often placed after the verb.

Comparison:
Now, let's compare the two given sentences to determine which one is in active voice and which one is in passive voice:

a) The dog bit the boy.
b) The boy was bitten by the dog.

In sentence a), "the dog" is the subject, and it performs the action "bit" on "the boy" (the object). This sentence is written in active voice because the subject is the doer of the action.

In sentence b), "the boy" is the subject, but it is receiving the action "was bitten" from "the dog" (placed after the verb). This sentence is written in passive voice because the subject is the receiver of the action, and the doer of the action is mentioned after the verb.

Therefore, sentence a) "The dog bit the boy" is written in active voice, as it follows the pattern of subject (the dog) + verb (bit) + object (the boy), where the subject performs the action on the object.

Active Voice
- Active voice is used when the subject of the sentence performs the action.
- It is direct and concise, making the sentence more engaging and clear.
The dog bit the boy.
- This sentence is written in active voice.
- The subject "dog" is performing the action "bit" on the object "boy."
- The sentence is straightforward and emphasizes the dog's action.
Passive Voice
- Passive voice is used when the subject of the sentence receives the action.
- It can be wordy and less engaging, often obscuring the doer of the action.
The boy was bitten by the dog.
- This sentence is written in passive voice.
- The subject "boy" is receiving the action "bitten" from the doer, which is the dog.
- The sentence focuses more on the boy being bitten rather than the dog's action.
Summary:
- Sentence A, "The dog bit the boy," is written in active voice.
- It clearly states the subject, action, and object, making it more direct and engaging.
- Sentence B, "The boy was bitten by the dog," is written in passive voice.
- It emphasizes the boy being bitten rather than the dog's action, making it less clear and concise.