Grammar
Active Voice
Active voice is when the subject of a sentence performs the action expressed by the verb. It creates clearer, more direct writing.
Active vs. Passive
| Voice | Structure | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Active | Subject → Verb → Object | The researcher conducted the study. |
| Passive | Object → Verb → Subject | The study was conducted by the researcher. |
Why Use Active Voice?
- Clarity — readers know who's doing what
- Conciseness — fewer words needed
- Engagement — feels more direct and dynamic
- Accountability — clearly assigns responsibility
Examples
Passive: "The essay was written by the student." Active: "The student wrote the essay."
Passive: "Mistakes were made." Active: "The team made mistakes."
Active voice makes your writing stronger and more engaging. Use it as your default.
When Passive is Acceptable
- When the actor is unknown or unimportant
- In scientific writing when emphasizing the action
- When you want to avoid assigning blame