Professional writers recommend the active style of writing unless you have a very good reason for using the passive voice. Which should you use?
Advantages of the Active Voice:- It is straight to the point.
- It is easier to read and understand.
- It sounds more natural.
- It eliminates unnecessary words.
- It strengthens your writing.
Compare these sentences:
PASSIVE: The letter was delivered by my best-friend. ACTIVE: My best friend delivered the letter. PASSIVE: We were asked to write a 4-versed poem by our English professor. ACTIVE: Our English professor asked us to write a 4-versed poem.
Check Your Writing:
When editing your work, pay attention to each sentence. Underline the sentences written in the passive voice and rewrite them.
- Which one is better – the active or the passive voice?
- Which is clearer?
- Which of the two sentences has made more impact?
Does this mean you should never use the passive voice?
Writers must learn to use the passive voice sparingly and with intent. There are instances when using the passive voice is more appropriate.
For example, using the passive voice is ideal if you do not want to assign an object or an action to a particular subject. Hence, the passive style is often used in business letters and business reports.
Examples:
The files have been sent.
Unauthorized charges have been discovered.
The meeting has been adjourned.
In the above examples, there is no need to declare who sent the files, who discovered the unauthorized charges, or who dismissed the meeting. Thus, using the passive voice is not only convenient, but applicable as well.
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Thanks,
Rachel:)
Photo sources:
1. green apple or red apple?
2. active or passive?
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