The aim of this research was to find out the types and causes of errors
among the students in using passive voice. This research is descriptive qualitative.
The data of this research was obtained through the writing test by
changing the sentence from active into passive. The writing test was created to
come samples of the participants. After the data has been analyzed, the writer
found answers which containing grammatical errors. These grammatical errors
were analyzed based on Richard’s theory in Error Analysis: Perspectives on
Second Language Acquisition (1974: 74).
The result of the research showed that the students who made
overgeneralization (52.87 %), Ignorance of rule restrictions (2.86 %), False
concept hypothesized (44.27 %). It means that the highest frequency of error in
passive voice is overgeneralization. The lowest frequency is ignorance of rule
restrictions so that, there is no serious problem in this type of error. Moreover, the
causes of errors, they are carelessness, first language interference and translation.
Many students made errors caused by carelessness. On the other hands, the
researcher also found the average of students’ ability. The students who correctly
answer there are 55.56 %. It means that the students can enough to use passive
voice. Actually, it is not enough so that, the students must be improve their ability
in order to they can master better in passive voice. The students’ errors can occur
because the lack of knowledge in English grammar.