Active and Passive Voice

Verbs have either an active or passive voice.

Active Voice In active voice the subject of the sentence initiates the action. Active voice is preferred because it makes writing more clear, lively and interesting. Example of active voice: Jill kicked Jack.

Active voice is shorter and more direct Active voice is shorter and more direct. Active: The waiter dropped the tray of food. Passive: The tray of food was dropped by the waiter.

Passive Voice In passive voice the subject of the sentence is acted upon. Passive voice always contains some form of the verb “to be.” (am, is, are, was were, be, being, been) Example: Jack was kicked by Jill.

In general, avoid passive voice because it can be wordy, awkward and confusing. However there are times when you may want to choose the active voice.

Reasons to choose the passive voice: The agent (doer) of the action is unimportant. The pyramids were built thousands of years ago. The agent is unknown. Several robberies were committed during the night

Reasons to Use Passive Voice (Continued) The agent is common knowledge and mentioning it would be redundant. George Bush was elected in 2000 The writer desires to control focus of the sentence. 1. To de-emphasize the agent’s role in the action. The alarm was triggered by my son. 2. To emphasize the party receiving the action. John was being sued by Mary.

Quiz Time! Determine whether the following sentences use active or passive voice.

The letter was obviously signed by a stranger.

Passive

The gates in front of the embassy were closed each night.

Passive

The judge suddenly called the lawyers into her chambers.

Active

On our trip across the country, our car will have been driven over 5,000 miles.

Passive

The mayor asked for volunteers to serve on the newly formed committee.

Active