![]() When improperly written, it can also sound awkward and vague, especially when the subject of the sentence is only implied and not deliberately mentioned. ![]() As can be seen in the example above, the passive voice usually requires more words. This might be because doing so can make your writing more concise. Some people believe that sentences should be written in the active voice whenever possible. ![]() When do I use the active or the passive voice? Another clue to look out for is the absence of an object in the sentence, which can indicate that this is written using the passive voice, although it is possible to have an active sentence without an object For instance, "I am eating a pie" is in the active voice despite the "be" verb ("am"). ![]() However, it is still possible for a sentence to be in the active voice despite having a form of the "be" verb in it. One indicator that a sentence is written in the passive voice is that it comes with a "be" verb followed by a past participle. The object (cake) was the recipient of an action (baked), which was performed by the subject (Julie). The passive voice, on the other hand, is when the object is acted upon by the subject of the sentence. In the above example, the subject/actor (Julie) performed the action (baked) on an object (cake). The active voice is so called because the subject of the sentence is the doer of an action that affects the sentence's object. "Voice" refers to the connection between the subject and the object of a sentence, which is linked through a verb. What's the difference between the active and passive voice? This article gives a definition of both voices, as well as examples of situations when each can be used properly. It may sound strange to hear that written sentences have voices, and even stranger to know that there are debates on which of the two – passive and active – is the better option when it comes to writing. REVISED: The combination of these two elements weakens the argument.'When to use the active and passive voice in writing' Example: It is the combination of these two elements that makes the argument weak.Using forms of to be (e.g., is, are, was, were) leads to wordiness. PASSIVE VOICE: Thomas Jefferson’s support of the new Constitution was documented in a letter to James Madison.ĪCTIVE VOICE: Thomas Jefferson documented his support of the new Constitution in a letter to James Madison.PASSIVE VOICE: On April 19, 1775, arms were seized by British soldiers at Concord, precipitating the American Revolution.ĪCTIVE VOICE: On April 19, 1775, British soldiers seized arms at Concord, precipitating the American Revolution.PASSIVE VOICE: My first trip abroad is one I will always remember.ĪCTIVE VOICE: I will always remember my first trip abroad. PASSIVE VOICE: My first trip abroad will always be remembered by me.To change a sentence from passive to active voice, determine who or what performs the action, and use that person or thing as the subject of the sentence. Passive voice often creates unclear, less direct, wordy sentences, whereas active voice creates clearer, more concise sentences. In contrast, active voice produces a sentence in which the subject performs an action. Passive voice produces a sentence in which the subject receives an action. In most instances, put the verb in the active voice rather than in the passive voice.
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