Active Voice

Definition

Active voice is a grammatical structure where the subject of the sentence performs the action of the verb. This construction emphasizes clarity and directness, making writing more engaging and easier to understand. Using active voice can greatly enhance the strength of leads and nut graphs, as it draws readers in by clearly identifying who is doing what.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Active voice makes sentences more dynamic by focusing on the subject performing the action, resulting in clearer writing.
2. In news reporting, using active voice in leads grabs attention and conveys information quickly, which is crucial for reader engagement.
3. Many style guides recommend using active voice to enhance clarity, reduce confusion, and create a more compelling narrative.
4. Active voice can help reduce wordiness, making writing more concise and impactful—especially important in journalism where every word counts.
5. Identifying passive constructions is essential for editing, as converting them to active voice can significantly improve the readability and strength of a piece.

Review Questions

• How does the use of active voice improve the effectiveness of leads in news reporting?
  • Using active voice in leads makes sentences more immediate and engaging by placing emphasis on who is doing what. This structure allows readers to quickly grasp the main action or event being reported, making it easier for them to connect with the story. The clarity that comes from active voice also helps draw readers in right from the start, increasing their interest in continuing with the article.
• What are some strategies for identifying passive voice in writing, and how can converting these sentences to active voice enhance clarity?
  • To identify passive voice, look for sentences where the subject is acted upon rather than performing the action. Common indicators include forms of 'to be' coupled with past participles. Converting these sentences to active voice clarifies who is responsible for the action, creating stronger, more direct statements. This not only improves overall clarity but also contributes to a more engaging reading experience.
• Evaluate how mastering the use of active voice can impact a journalist's overall writing style and audience engagement.
  • Mastering active voice significantly elevates a journalist's writing style by making it more vibrant and assertive. This choice fosters stronger connections with the audience, as it creates a sense of immediacy and involvement in the story. As readers encounter clearer and more compelling narratives, their engagement deepens, encouraging them to absorb more content. Thus, proficiency in utilizing active voice not only enhances clarity but also cultivates a loyal readership that appreciates well-crafted journalism.

Related terms

Passive Voice: A grammatical structure where the subject receives the action of the verb, often leading to vagueness and weaker sentences.

Subject-Verb Agreement: The grammatical rule that subjects and verbs must agree in number and tense, which helps maintain clarity in active voice sentences.

Conciseness: The quality of being brief and to the point, which is often enhanced by using active voice to eliminate unnecessary words.