Active Voice

Definition

Active voice is a grammatical structure where the subject of the sentence performs the action expressed by the verb. This form of writing emphasizes clarity and directness, making it easier for the reader to understand who is doing what. In effective communication, using active voice can create a stronger connection with the audience by making statements more engaging and dynamic.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Sentences in active voice usually follow a clear structure: Subject + Verb + Object, making them straightforward and easier to comprehend.
2. Using active voice can improve engagement, as it often feels more energetic and compelling compared to passive constructions.
3. Active voice helps reduce wordiness in writing, allowing for more concise communication that gets straight to the point.
4. In business communication, active voice can enhance persuasiveness and authority, encouraging readers to take action or make decisions.
5. Many style guides recommend using active voice for clearer and more impactful writing, especially in professional settings.

Review Questions

• How does using active voice improve the effectiveness of communication?
  • Using active voice enhances communication effectiveness by making sentences clearer and more engaging. When the subject performs the action directly, it simplifies understanding for the reader and creates a sense of immediacy. This can also encourage a stronger connection with the audience, making them more likely to engage with the content.
• Compare active voice and passive voice in terms of their impact on written communication.
  • Active voice typically creates clearer and more dynamic sentences where the subject is doing the action, while passive voice often obscures the doer and can lead to confusion or disengagement. In written communication, using active voice tends to keep readers interested because it presents information in a straightforward manner. Passive constructions might be used for stylistic reasons but can diminish clarity and immediacy.
• Evaluate the importance of active voice in business writing and how it affects decision-making processes.
  • Active voice is crucial in business writing because it fosters clarity and directness, which are essential for effective decision-making. When information is presented actively, it allows stakeholders to quickly grasp key points and implications without wading through convoluted language. This clarity can lead to faster responses and informed decisions, ultimately driving efficiency and productivity within an organization.

Related terms

Passive Voice: Passive voice is a grammatical structure where the subject receives the action rather than performing it, often resulting in less direct and more complicated sentences.

Subject-Verb Agreement: This refers to the grammatical rule that the subject of a sentence must agree in number with its verb, which is essential for maintaining clarity and coherence.

Clarity: Clarity refers to the quality of being easily understood and free from ambiguity, which is enhanced by using active voice in writing.