How to Write in Active Voice and Why it Matters

Writing in active voice is a crucial skill that can significantly enhance the clarity and impact of your prose. Unlike passive voice, where the subject receives the action, active voice places the subject at the forefront, making your writing more direct and dynamic.  

This approach not only captures the reader’s attention but also encourages them to engage with your message more deeply. By prioritizing action and straightforwardness, you can transform your writing into a more powerful tool for communication, whether you’re crafting an academic essay, a business report, or a creative narrative. So, how exactly do you write in active voice? 

What is Active Voice? 

The verb “express” in a sentence is carried out by the sentence’s subject in the active voice. This form makes the statement plain and direct, highlighting the action’s doer. On the other hand, passive voice is used when the verb acts upon the subject, which frequently results in a less straightforward phrase and occasionally more complicated. 

Examples of Active and Passive Voice  

Active Voice: The cat (subject) chased (verb) the mouse (object).  

Here, the subject, the cat, engages in the chasing action. 

Passive Voice: The mouse (subject) was chased (verb) by the cat (agent).  

Here, the focus is on the mouse, which is receiving the action of being chased. 

• Key Components of Active Voice

Subject: The doer of the action. 

Example: “The teacher explained the lesson.” 

Subject: The teacher 

Verb: The action performed by the subject. 

Example: “The teacher explained the lesson.” 

Verb: Explained 

Object (optional): The receiver of the action. 

Example: “The teacher explained the lesson.” 

Object: the lesson 

How to Write in Active Voice? 

Using the active voice improves readability, clarity, and reader engagement. The following valuable actions and advice will assist you in writing in the active voice: 

• Identify the Subject and the Verb

To write in active voice, first identify the subject performing the action and the main verb that describes the action. 

Example (Passive): The cake was eaten by the children. 

Subject: The children 

Verb: ate 

• Place the Subject Before the Verb 

Rearrange the sentence so that the subject comes before the verb. This makes the subject the doer of the action. 

Example (Active): The children ate the cake. 

• Be Direct and Concise 

Avoid unnecessary words and aim for directness in your sentences. The active voice often results in more concise and straightforward sentences. 

Example (Passive): The project was completed by the team ahead of schedule. 

Example (Active): The team completed the project ahead of schedule. 

• Use Strong, Specific Verb

Choose solid and specific verbs to convey actions clearly and powerfully. This enhances the impact of your writing. 

Example (Weak): The decision was made by the committee. 

Example (Strong): The committee decided. 

• Watch for Common Passive Voice Indicator

Look for forms of “to be” (am, is, are, was, were, be, being, been) followed by a past participle (e.g., eaten, seen, known). These often indicate passive voice. 

Example (Passive): The book was read by the students. 

Example (Active): The students read the book. 

• Practice with Examples

Convert passive sentences to active voice to practice and reinforce this skill. Here are a few examples: 

Passive: The homework was finished by Emily. 

Active: Emily finished the homework. 

Passive: The song was sung by the choir. 

Active: The choir sang the song. 

• Use Active Voice in Description

When describing actions, especially in narratives or instructions, use active voice to keep the writing lively and engaging. 

Example (Passive): The door was opened by John. 

Example (Active): John opened the door. 

• Edit and Revise 

Look over your text and turn any passive constructs into an active voice. This can significantly enhance your text’s quality and readability. 

Why Active Voice Matters? 

Writing in the active voice greatly influences your communication’s clarity, engagement, and efficacy; it’s not just a matter of taste. Active voice is essential for the following key reasons: 

• Clarity 

Active voice makes it clear who is doing what. This direct approach reduces ambiguity and helps the reader understand the action and the doer without confusion. 

Example (Passive): The report was reviewed by the committee. 

Example (Active): The committee reviewed the report. 

In the active voice example, it is immediately clear who performed the action. 

• Engagement 

The active voice keeps the reader engaged with lively and dynamic prose. Sentences in active voice are generally more exciting and vivid, which can help maintain the reader’s attention. 

Example (Passive): The speech was delivered by the president. 

Example (Active): The president delivered the speech. 

The active voice version is more engaging and creates a stronger connection with the reader. 

• Concisenes

Active voice often results in shorter, more concise sentences. This brevity makes your writing more readable and to the point, which is especially important in professional and academic contexts. 

Example (Passive): The budget proposal was approved by the board. 

Example (Active): The board approved the budget proposal. 

The active sentence is more concise, avoiding unnecessary words. 

• Strong Tone 

Active voice conveys a confident and assertive tone. This can make your writing more persuasive and impactful, which is beneficial in persuasive essays, reports, and presentations. 

Example (Passive): Mistakes were made. 

Example (Active): We made mistakes. 

The active voice example takes responsibility and sounds more authoritative. 

• Improved Readability

Active voice is easier to read and understand. It follows a straightforward subject-verb-object order that aligns with the natural way people process information. 

Example (Passive): The project was completed ahead of schedule by the team. 

Example (Active): The team completed the project ahead of schedule. 

The active voice example is more straightforward and more intuitive to read. 

• Focus on the Doer 

Active voice highlights the importance of the subject. When the subject is placed at the beginning of the sentence, it emphasizes the role and actions of the doer, which can be critical in narratives and descriptions. 

Example (Passive): The law was passed by Congress. 

Example (Active): Congress passed the law. 

This shift in focus can be fundamental in storytelling and reporting. 

Conclusion 

To make your writing successful, engaging, and clear, master the active voice. Focus on the person performing the action and structure your sentences accordingly for direct, energetic, and captivating writing. Active voice attracts readers with sharp, dynamic sentences and clarifies who is doing what, making it easier to read and understand. It gives your work a bold tone, enhancing its impact and persuasiveness. 

While passive voice has its uses, especially when the doer is unclear or irrelevant, active voice should be your default for most writing tasks. Ensure actions are clear, separate the subject and verb in each sentence, and place the subject before the verb. Practice converting passive sentences to active ones and watch for passive voice indicators like “to be” forms followed by past participles. By following these guidelines, you can improve your writing and engage your readers. Use active voice to confidently convey your ideas, ensuring they understand and appreciate your message. 

Frequently Asked Questions