Active voice

Definition

Active voice is a grammatical structure in which the subject of the sentence performs the action rather than receiving it. This style is often favored in writing, especially in press releases, as it tends to create clearer and more direct communication. By emphasizing the subject's role in an action, active voice can make content more engaging and easier for readers to understand.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Using active voice typically leads to shorter sentences that convey information more effectively and efficiently.
2. Active voice is preferred in press releases because it helps convey urgency and immediacy, making the message more compelling.
3. Readers are generally more engaged with text written in active voice because it feels more dynamic and direct.
4. Active voice reduces ambiguity by clearly indicating who is responsible for the action, enhancing comprehension.
5. In professional writing, especially for public relations, mastering active voice is essential for crafting strong messages that resonate with audiences.

Review Questions

• How does using active voice improve the clarity of a press release?
  • Using active voice improves clarity in a press release by directly linking the subject to the action, making it evident who is responsible for what. This eliminates ambiguity that can arise from passive constructions, where the doer of the action may be obscured. Clearer sentences lead to better reader understanding, ensuring that key messages are communicated effectively and can grab the reader's attention.
• Discuss how switching from passive to active voice can change the tone of a press release.
  • Switching from passive to active voice can significantly change the tone of a press release by making it sound more assertive and confident. Active voice conveys immediacy and decisiveness, which can engage readers more effectively. For instance, instead of saying 'The award was won by the team,' an active construction like 'The team won the award' portrays a stronger sense of achievement and ownership, enhancing the overall impact of the message.
• Evaluate the potential consequences of overusing passive voice in public relations writing, particularly in press releases.
  • Overusing passive voice in public relations writing can lead to vague and unclear messaging, diminishing the effectiveness of communication strategies. When messages lack clarity, they risk losing audience engagement and may fail to elicit desired responses from key stakeholders. Moreover, relying too heavily on passive constructions can create an impression of indecisiveness or lack of accountability within an organization, ultimately harming its credibility and public image.

Related terms

passive voice: A grammatical structure where the subject receives the action rather than performing it, often leading to less clarity.

conciseness: The quality of being brief and to the point, often enhanced by using active voice.

clarity: The quality of being clear and easy to understand, which is improved through the use of active voice in writing.