When writing, the way you structure your sentences can dramatically affect how your message is received. One key aspect of sentence structure is voice. Understanding the difference between active and passive voice can help you write more clearly and effectively.
What is Active Voice?
In active voice, the subject of the sentence performs the action. This is the most direct and engaging way to write.Example:
Active: The chef cooked the meal.Here, “the chef” is the subject doing the action, and “the meal” is receiving it.
Active voice is usually preferred because it: Makes sentences clearer and more concise.Highlights who is responsible for the action.Keeps readers engaged.
What is Passive Voice?
In passive voice, the subject of the sentence receives the action rather than performing it. Often, the doer of the action is omitted or added at the end.Example:Passive: The meal was cooked by the chef.Here, “the meal” is the subject, and the chef appears later in the sentence or may be left out entirely.
Passive voice can be useful when:
The focus should be on the action rather than who did it.You want to create a formal or objective tone.The doer of the action is unknown.
How to Identify Passive Voice
A quick tip: passive voice often includes a form of “to be” (is, was, were, been) followed by a past participle verb.
Examples:
Passive: The book was written in 1990.
Active: The author wrote the book in 1990.
Why Choosing the Right Voice Matters
Using active voice generally makes your writing stronger, more direct, and easier to understand. However, passive voice has its place in academic writing, formal reports, or when the action itself is more important than who did it.
Tip: A good rule of thumb is to use active voice most of the time but switch to passive when you need to emphasize the result or object of the action.
In short:
Active voice: Subject acts. Clear, concise, and engaging.
Passive voice: Subject receives action.
Useful for emphasis or formal tone.Mastering both can make your writing more versatile and effective.
