![]() ![]() The passive voice emphasizes the recipient of the action or sometimes the action itself. The basic difference ActiveĪt the most basic level, the active voice emphasizes the person or agent who performs an action, the “actor.” In other words, the subject performs the action. The following guidelines and examples should help choose between using active and passive voice in a sentence. You may use both in the same article depending on the context and content of your sentences and the section of the paper you are writing. Nevertheless, the active voice is sometimes a far better choice. Growing up in American schools, students are often taught that they should avoid the passive voice because it is “weak.” However, the choice between active and passive is actually quite nuanced.ĭepending on the ideas you are trying to express and the conventions of the discipline/journal in which you are writing, a sentence in the passive voice can be an appropriate, sophisticated, and even preferable choice over the active voice. Answers:įor more information on English voice, see our full article on the active voice.The use of active or passive voice is a fundamental distinction in English - and one that causes trouble for many writers, including native English speakers. The passive writing voice occurs when what would be the object of a sentence becomes the subject. However, it is a stylistic choice that writers will occasionally use for effect. The passive voice is not common in writing. Summary: What is a Passive Voice?ĭefine passive voice: The definition of passive voice is when the recipient of the verb’s action becomes the subject of a sentence. ![]() Children danced in the halls to celebrate the last day of school.This episode was brought to you by Coca-Cola. ![]() Active Voice ExercisesĪre these sentences written in the active or passive writing voice? Like all writing techniques, passive voice should be used with intention and purpose. Good writers know how to delicately blend the passive writing voice with active sentences. Many will say that the passive voice is not permitted in good writing. the writer wants to hide the agent’s identity.The person doing the action is unknown.) the agent is unknown or unimportant (i.e.the writer wants the “punch” to be at the end of a sentence.Stylistically, passive voice can be used as well. ![]() The book was written by Herman Melville). Some phrases in English are always stated in the passive voice (i.e. However, it should not be avoided altogether. The passive voice is used less frequently in writing. They can eliminate confusion, especially in regard to subject identification. This is because sentences in the active voice are usually more direct, clear, and concise. Should You Avoid Passive Voice in Writing?Īctive voice is usually favored in writing.
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