Understanding Active and Passive Voice

Study Notes

Understanding Active and Passive Voice

Active and passive voice are two structurally distinct ways to express a sentence in the English language. While active voice highlights the subject as the doer of the action, passive voice focuses on the object being acted upon. Both have their uses in various contexts, but it's essential to know when to employ them for clarity and effectiveness.

Active Voice

In active voice, the subject is the primary focus, appearing before the verb, which is followed by the object. The sentence structure is clear and direct, as seen in the example below:

Kids can find sea shells in the cave near the beach's eastern side.

Passive Voice

In passive voice, the object is the primary focus, appearing before or after the verb, which is followed by the preposition "by" or an omitted agent. The sentence structure is less direct, potentially masking the subject, as seen in the example below:

Soccer was played all day at the park, attracting spectators from across town.

When to Use Active Voice

Active voice is the preferred choice for most writing, as it is clearer, more direct, and easier for readers to follow. It can also convey a sense of certainty and authority in the writer's message.

When to Use Passive Voice

While active voice is generally preferable, passive voice has its uses:

To emphasize the object: If the object is more important than the subject, use passive voice to focus attention on it.
To avoid specifying the subject: When the subject is unknown, irrelevant, or unimportant, use passive voice.
To avoid assigning responsibility: When you want to avoid taking ownership or responsibility, use passive voice.

Examples and Revisions

To illustrate the differences between active and passive voice, consider these examples:

Active voice: Insulin was first discovered in 1921 by Frederick Banting. Revised passive voice: Insulin was first discovered in 1921.

Active voice: DNA encodes genetic information. Revised passive voice: Genetic information is encoded by DNA.

Active voice: The cave paintings of Lascaux were made in the Upper Old Stone Age. Revised passive voice: The cave paintings of Lascaux were made.

In Summary

Both active and passive voice have their uses, but active voice is generally preferable for most writing. Passive voice can be used to emphasize the object, avoid specifying the subject, or avoid assigning responsibility. Remember to be intentional when choosing between active and passive voice to maintain clarity and effectiveness in your writing.

Description

Learn about the differences between active and passive voice in English sentences, their uses, and when to employ each for clarity and effectiveness. Explore examples, revisions, and guidelines for choosing between active and passive voice.