The active voice is a grammatical construction in which the subject of a sentence performs the action described by the verb.
It’s straightforward and direct. Think of it as the action hero of your sentence. For example, “Albert chased the cat.” Here, Albert (subject) is doing the chasing (action).
In contrast, passive voice flips the sentence around, making it less clear who’s doing what. For instance, “The cat was chased by Albert.” See how the sentence feels more roundabout? That’s the passive voice.
Benefits of Active Voice
Clarity
Active voice cuts through the clutter and gets straight to the point. It makes your writing clear and easy to understand. When you say, “Mattie baked a cake,” everyone knows who did what.
Engaged Readers
An active voice keeps your readers engaged. It brings energy and action to your writing, making it livelier. Compare “The game was won by our team” to “Our team won the game.” The second sentence sounds more exciting, right?
Shortness is Key
Using an active voice makes sentences shorter, and you can say more with fewer words. For example, instead of “The letter was written by me,” you can just say, “I wrote the letter.” Quick and easy!
Examples
Here are some before-and-after examples to show the magic of active voice:
- Passive: The novel was read by the students.
- Active: The students read the novel.
- Passive: The project was completed by the team.
- Active: The team completed the project.
Doesn’t the active voice sound more direct and punchy?
When to Use Active Voice
Whether you’re writing short stories or novels, in the first person or third, the active voice is your friend. It makes your message clear and your writing engaging.
Active voice is particularly useful in character-driven stories. It allows you to depict your characters as active participants in the story rather than passive observers. This can make your characters appear more vivid and lifelike. For instance, “Jane solved the mystery” portrays Jane as a proactive character, whereas “The mystery was solved by Jane” makes the action feel less direct.
Plus, readers tend to connect more with writing that feels immediate and alive. The active voice creates this effect by placing the subject of the sentence at the forefront, making the action feel more immediate and the writing more immersive.
How to Identify & Convert Passive Voice to Active Voice
1. Identify Passive Voice
Look for the word “by” – it usually indicates a passive sentence. You can also check if the action is happening to the subject instead of the subject doing it.
2. Convert to Active Voice: Tips
- Put your sentence into three parts: subject, action, and object.
- Arrange the sentence so the subject is performing the action.
- Make sure the sentence flows by adding any necessary words.
How to Avoid Common Mistakes
Don’t Overuse It
While active voice is great, don’t force it. Sometimes a passive voice is the right choice, especially when the doer is unknown or unimportant.
Avoid Awkward Sentences
If converting to active voice makes your sentence awkward or confusing, it’s okay to stick with passive voice. Clarity always comes first.
Balance Your Writing
Good writing often mixes active voice and passive voice to suit the context. It’s all about finding the right balance for your message.
Active Voice FAQs
What is the difference between active and passive voice?
A subject in the active voice performs an action, while a subject in the passive voice receives an action. In general, active voice is more direct and dynamic, whereas passive voice is more indirect.
Can I use passive voice in creative writing?
Yes, the passive voice can be used in creative writing, but it should be used sparingly. Passive voices are useful when the subject is unknown or when the action overshadows the subject.
How can I improve my use of active voice?
Learn how to identify passive sentences and rewrite them. The subject should be the one who performs the action and the verbs should be strong and descriptive. You can also make sure your writing is clear and engaging by reviewing it regularly.
