Active vs. Passive Voice
Understanding the difference between active and passive voice is key to making your writing more dynamic, clear, and impactful. Voice shows whether the subject of a sentence is performing the action or receiving it.
Active Voice
The subject performs the action.
In an active sentence, the subject is the "doer" of the action. This makes the sentence direct, clear, and energetic.
Formula: Subject + Verb + Object
- The cat chased the mouse.
- She wrote the report.
- Scientists discovered a new planet.
Passive Voice
The subject receives the action.
In a passive sentence, the subject is acted upon. The doer of the action is either moved to the end of the sentence or left out entirely.
Formula: Subject + (to be verb) + Past Participle + [by Agent]
- The mouse was chased by the cat.
- The report was written by her.
- A new planet was discovered by scientists.
When to Use Each Voice
Choosing the right voice depends on what you want to emphasize.
| Voice | Best Used For |
|---|---|
| Active | Use for most writing to make it clear, direct, and engaging. |
| Passive | Use when the action or the receiver of the action is more important than who performed it. |
| Passive | Use when the actor is unknown or unimportant. |
Pro Tip: Stay Active!
Key Takeaways
- Active voice emphasizes the person or thing doing the action (the "doer").
- Passive voice emphasizes the action or the person/thing receiving the action.
- Most of the time, active voice is stronger and more direct.
- Passive voice is useful in specific situations, like scientific reports or when the doer is unknown.
Exercises and Worksheets
Ready to practice? Test your knowledge with these resources.