Writing in Active Voice Versus Passive Voice

Active voice is usually favored in writing. This is because sentences in the active voice are usually more direct, clear, and concise. They can eliminate confusion, especially concerning subject identification.

A sentence is written in active voice when the subject of the sentence is performing the action.

Active Example:  Herman Melville wrote the classic story Moby Dick.

A sentence is written in passive voice when the subject of the sentence has something done to it by someone or something.

Passive Example:  Moby Dick, the classic story written by Herman Melville. 

The active voice clearly states that the subject, Herman Melville, wrote the classic story. 

Some say that passive voice is not permitted in good writing. However, a good writer will know how to delicately blend the passive writing voice with active sentences.  It can be a stylistic choice that writers will occasionally use for effect.

Passive voice may be used when:

1.     the writer wants to emphasize an action or feeling at the end of a sentence; or

2.     when the person doing the action is unknown or the writer desires to hide their identity.

 Examples of Active and Passive:

Active: The committee determined that the report was inconclusive.

Passive: It was determined by the committee that the report was inconclusive.

 Active:  Our neighbors invited us to attend their party.

Passive:  We were invited by our neighbors to attend their party.

Active: Small business owners bitterly opposed the proposed initiative.

Passive:  The proposed initiative will be bitterly opposed by small business owners.

Active voice is generally preferred for its clarity and conciseness, making it suitable for most types of writing, including emails, blog posts, and essays. It helps to keep the reader's attention on the subject and the action being performed. 

On the other hand, passive voice is useful in scientific writing, news reports, and situations where the doer of the action is unknown or irrelevant. It can also convey a sense of objectivity and detachment. 

In summary, while active voice is more engaging and straightforward, passive voice has its place in specific contexts where the focus is on the action or the object rather than the subject. 

Your Turn:

Are these sentences written in the active or passive writing voice? Answers provided below.

1.     News reports are written by reporters.

2.     The plate was made in Japan.

3.     The ball rolling down the street was being chased by a cute dog.

4.     The company hired new workers last year.

5.     The cake is being baked by Michael.

Answers: 

1.     Passive

2.     Active

3.     Passive

4.     Active

5.     Passive

Just for fun, take the three passive sentences and turn them into active sentences.

Your turn again: How did you do on the test? Leave your comments below. When posting your comment, you only need to fill in the “name” block and then click “post comment.”

Thanks for reading. I’ll see you in two weeks when we learn how to “Show, Don’t Tell.”