*** Though fun, writing can get very confusing, especially when you’re trying to figure out
whether to use the active or passive voice. What is the difference between active and passive
voice? When and how should you use them? Knowing the answer to these questions is important
for casual AND formal settings. The heading is Active vs. Passive Voice. ***
Active vs. Passive Voice
Active voice is a quality of a verb that describes when its subject is acting out the verb. When the
opposite is true (i.e., the subject of the sentence is being acted upon by the verb), it is said to be
in passive voice. The doer of the action is called the agent.
Compare:
1. A car struck John. (Active)
John was struck by a car. (Passive)
2. Lincoln was shot. (Passive)
Booth shot Abraham Lincoln. (Active)
3. The boy was seen tripping while he ran. (Passive)
The boy tripped while running. (Active)
Reasons why the active voice is used:
1. Active sentences are shorter.
a. He saw the dog.
VS
The dog was seen by him.
2. Active sentences are more direct.
a. He published the article without permission.
Reasons why the passive voice is used:
1. The passive voice can be used to avoid blame.
a. The article was published without permission.
2. The passive voice can be used to show a neutral tone.
a. A compromise was reached. *** Journalists usually do this to come off as
professional.
3. The passive voice can be used when the agent is unimportant, unknown, or obvious.
a. Breakfast was served at 8 o’clock. *** The identity of the person that served
breakfast may be unimportant, unknown, or obvious.
b. The thieves were arrested. *** It’s obvious that the thieves were arrested by the cops.
4. Passive sentences allow you to focus on what's important.
a. Forty-two zebras were rescued by the rangers. *** This passive sentence focuses on
the zebras.
VS
The rangers rescued 42 zebras. *** This active sentence focuses on the rangers.