Active voice

Definition

Active voice is a grammatical structure where the subject of a sentence performs the action expressed by the verb, making sentences clearer and more direct. This form contrasts with passive voice, where the subject receives the action, often leading to vagueness. Using active voice typically enhances writing by emphasizing the doer of the action and creating a more engaging narrative.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In active voice sentences, the structure usually follows the format: Subject-Verb-Object, which provides clarity.
2. Active voice often results in stronger and more persuasive writing since it directly attributes actions to subjects.
3. Using active voice can make writing more concise, eliminating unnecessary words and focusing on key ideas.
4. Active voice is commonly favored in academic and professional writing because it establishes authority and straightforwardness.
5. Identifying and converting sentences from passive to active voice can improve overall writing style and readability.

Review Questions

• How does using active voice impact the clarity of writing compared to passive voice?
  • Using active voice enhances clarity by clearly showing who is performing the action. In contrast, passive voice can obscure this relationship, making it less obvious who is responsible for the action. As a result, active voice makes sentences more straightforward and engaging, allowing readers to grasp the main idea more quickly.
• In what ways can active voice contribute to a writer's authority and persuasiveness in their work?
  • Active voice contributes to a writer's authority and persuasiveness by presenting information in a direct manner that emphasizes the subject's role in taking action. This directness conveys confidence and decisiveness, which can convince readers of the writer's expertise. Additionally, clear and impactful statements made using active voice engage readers more effectively and support stronger arguments.
• Evaluate how consistently using active voice can affect overall writing style and reader engagement across various genres.
  • Consistently using active voice can significantly enhance overall writing style by creating a rhythm that keeps readers engaged. In genres such as fiction, journalism, or persuasive essays, an active voice brings energy to narratives and draws readers into the action. Moreover, maintaining this consistency fosters clarity and coherence, making it easier for readers to follow arguments or storylines, ultimately improving their experience with the text.

Related terms

passive voice: A grammatical structure where the subject of a sentence is acted upon by the verb, often resulting in a less direct expression of action.

subject: The part of a sentence that indicates who or what performs the action of the verb.

verb: A word that expresses an action, occurrence, or state of being in a sentence.