Active Voice

Definition

Active voice is a grammatical structure in which the subject of the sentence performs the action of the verb, creating a direct and clear relationship between the two. This form enhances clarity and engagement in writing, making it particularly valuable in legal writing where precision and directness are essential.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Using active voice can significantly improve the readability of legal documents by making sentences shorter and more straightforward.
2. Active voice allows the writer to emphasize the actor (subject) in a sentence, which can help highlight important actions or responsibilities.
3. Legal writing often prioritizes active voice because it reduces confusion about who is responsible for actions or decisions.
4. Many legal writing guides recommend minimizing passive constructions to enhance clarity and reduce ambiguity.
5. Active voice can also make arguments more persuasive by presenting them in a more assertive and confident manner.

Review Questions

• How does using active voice impact the clarity and effectiveness of legal writing?
  • Using active voice significantly enhances clarity in legal writing by ensuring that the subject of the sentence is directly associated with its action. This structure allows readers to quickly grasp who is responsible for specific actions, reducing potential misunderstandings. When legal documents use active voice, they become more concise and straightforward, leading to better comprehension and engagement from the audience.
• What are some common pitfalls of using passive voice in legal documents, and how can they be avoided?
  • Common pitfalls of using passive voice in legal documents include ambiguity about who is responsible for an action and longer, more complex sentences that can confuse readers. To avoid these pitfalls, writers should strive to identify the actor in each sentence and restructure their writing to prioritize that subject. By consciously choosing active voice, legal writers can improve both clarity and engagement with their audience.
• Evaluate the role of active voice in shaping persuasive legal arguments and discuss its long-term benefits for effective communication.
  • Active voice plays a crucial role in shaping persuasive legal arguments by presenting claims in a clear and assertive manner. This direct approach not only makes arguments more compelling but also instills confidence in the writer's position. The long-term benefits include enhanced reader understanding, reduced misinterpretation of legal positions, and a stronger overall impression of professionalism and authority in legal communication.

Related terms

Passive Voice: A grammatical structure where the subject of the sentence receives the action of the verb, often leading to ambiguity and less direct statements.

Subject-Verb Agreement: The grammatical rule that ensures the subject and verb in a sentence correspond in number, which helps maintain clarity in writing.

Clarity:

The quality of being easily understood, which is critical in legal writing to avoid misinterpretation and ensure precise communication.