Active voice

Definition

Active voice is a grammatical structure in which the subject of a sentence performs the action of the verb, making sentences clearer and more direct. This construction emphasizes the actor and their actions, resulting in more engaging and dynamic writing. Using active voice is essential for effective communication as it contributes to clarity and conciseness, especially in journalism where conveying information quickly and efficiently is crucial.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Active voice typically results in shorter, more vigorous sentences compared to passive voice, which can become convoluted.
2. Using active voice helps to engage readers by providing a stronger connection between the subject and action, making it easier for them to understand the content.
3. In journalism, writing in active voice is a stylistic preference because it often leads to more impactful headlines and subheadings that grab attention.
4. Sentences written in active voice usually require fewer words, which aligns with the goal of conciseness in effective writing.
5. Active voice allows for clearer attribution of actions, making it easier for readers to identify who is responsible for what in a news story.

Review Questions

• How does using active voice enhance clarity in journalistic writing?
  • Using active voice enhances clarity by ensuring that sentences are direct and easy to understand. In active voice, the subject performing the action is clear, reducing ambiguity. This clarity allows readers to grasp the main points quickly, which is essential in journalism where information needs to be conveyed effectively and efficiently.
• What are some advantages of employing active voice in headlines and subheadings?
  • Employing active voice in headlines and subheadings makes them more compelling and engaging for readers. Active constructions typically lead to shorter phrases that capture attention quickly, making it easier for readers to process information at a glance. This effectiveness is critical as headlines serve as entry points for readers to decide whether to continue engaging with the story.
• Evaluate the impact of passive voice on reader engagement compared to active voice within news articles.
  • Passive voice can significantly reduce reader engagement compared to active voice because it often makes sentences less direct and harder to follow. While passive constructions may have their place in specific contexts where the action's recipient is more important than the actor, they generally dilute the immediacy of information. Active voice fosters a sense of action and urgency that encourages readers to connect with the content, thus increasing their investment in the story being told.

Related terms

passive voice: A grammatical structure where the subject of the sentence receives the action of the verb, often making sentences less direct and harder to follow.

conciseness: The quality of expressing information clearly and succinctly without unnecessary words or details.

subject-verb agreement: The grammatical rule that requires subjects and verbs to match in number (singular or plural), which is important for maintaining clarity in sentence structure.