1. Appendix A.1: Active Sentences
The writer sent the letter through the mail.
Sentence: Subject, verb, complete thought

2. Active Sentence The writer sent the letter through the mail.
Subject—writer
Actor in sentence
Performs action of verb

3. Passive Sentence The letter was sent by the writer through the mail.
Subject—Letter
Acted upon in the sentence
Receives the action of the verb

4. Another Example
The company sold stock.
Stock was sold by the company.

5. Which is clearer and more concise, active or passive voice?
Fewer words
Places right information in subject position for emphasis

6. Exceptions Ken Park decided that we should go on strike.
A decision was made to go on strike.
Farmers grew this corn in Illinois.
This corn was grown in Illinois.