When it comes to writing, especially in academic or professional contexts, clarity is key. One of the most important choices a writer can make is whether to use the active or passive voice. Both have their place, but understanding when and how to use each one is crucial for effective communication.
In this guide, we’ll explore the differences between active and passive voice, look at examples of both, and discuss when it’s best to use each one. By the end, you’ll have a solid grasp of how to apply these principles to your own writing to improve clarity and engagement.
What Is Active Voice?
In sentences written in the active voice, the subject of the sentence performs the action. The structure is simple: subject + verb + object.
This is often the preferred structure in English because it is direct, clear, and concise. It leaves no doubt as to who is responsible for the action.
For example:
- The scientist conducted the experiment.
- The manager approved the budget.
In both examples, the subject (the scientist, the manager) is clearly performing the action (conducted, approved), and the object (the experiment, the budget) receives the action.
Why Use Active Voice?
- Clarity: Active voice eliminates ambiguity about who or what is performing the action. This makes the writing easier to understand.
- Brevity: Sentences in active voice tend to be shorter and more direct.
- Engagement: It creates a stronger connection between the writer and the reader by presenting the information in a straightforward manner.
Active voice is typically favoured in most forms of writing, especially in journalism, business, and academia, because it allows the writer to convey ideas clearly and assertively.
What Is Passive Voice?
In contrast, the passive voice occurs when the object of the action is moved to the front of the sentence, and the subject comes later (or is omitted entirely). The basic structure is: object + verb + (subject).
For example:
- The experiment was conducted by the scientist.
- The budget was approved by the manager.
In these sentences, the focus is on the action and its recipient, rather than on who is performing the action. Notice how the passive voice can create a sense of distance between the action and the actor.
Why Use Passive Voice?
- Emphasis on the Object: Passive voice is useful when the writer wants to focus on the action or the object rather than the subject. For instance, in scientific writing, the process or result is often more important than the person who conducted it.
- Formality: Passive voice can add a formal tone to the writing, which is why it is often used in technical and academic contexts.
- Unknown or Unimportant Subject: Sometimes, the subject of the action is either unknown or irrelevant, and in these cases, passive voice can be more appropriate.
- The letter was delivered yesterday. (It’s not important who delivered it.)
Active vs Passive Voice: A Comparison
Let’s look at a few more examples to better understand the difference between active and passive voice:
- Active: The chef prepared the meal.
- Passive: The meal was prepared by the chef.
- Active: The government passed the new law.
- Passive: The new law was passed by the government.
In these examples, you can see how the active voice places the emphasis on the actor, while the passive voice places it on the action itself or its result. The passive voice often requires more words and can make a sentence feel less immediate or impactful.
When Should You Use Active or Passive Voice?
Both active and passive voice have their place in writing, but it’s important to know when to use each.
Use Active Voice When:
- You Want Clarity and Directness: In most cases, active voice is the best choice. It’s more straightforward and makes it clear who is doing what.
- You Need Conciseness: If you’re trying to keep your writing sharp and to the point, active voice is often the more concise option.
- You Want to Engage the Reader: Active voice tends to feel more dynamic and engaging, which is why it’s often the preferred choice in marketing, journalism, and everyday communication.
Use Passive Voice When:
- You Want to Emphasise the Action or Object: If what happened is more important than who did it, passive voice might be the better choice. This is especially true in formal, academic, or scientific writing where the focus is often on results rather than the individuals behind them.
- The Subject Is Unknown or Unimportant: If you don’t know who performed the action or if it’s not relevant, passive voice allows you to omit that information.
- You Want to Add Formality: In certain types of writing, such as reports or legal documents, passive voice can lend an air of objectivity or formality.
How to Avoid Overusing Passive Voice
While passive voice has its uses, over-reliance on it can make your writing feel cumbersome and less engaging. Here are a few tips to help you avoid overusing it:
- Identify Passive Constructions: Look for sentences with forms of “to be” (is, was, were, etc.) followed by a past participle (conducted, approved, written). These often signal passive voice.
- Ask Yourself Who Is Performing the Action: If the subject of the sentence is unclear, or if the action seems to be happening in a vacuum, you might be using passive voice unnecessarily.
- Revise for Clarity: Whenever possible, rewrite passive sentences in active voice to make your writing clearer and more direct.
For example:
- Passive: The report was written by the team.
- Active: The team wrote the report.
Tips for Using Both Active and Passive Voice
Finding balance between the use of passive and active voice is not easy. Here are some tips:
- Keep Your Audience in Mind: Be mindful of the the tone you wish to convey and the type of audience you have: active voice is often more engaging for general audiences, while passive voice may be appropriate in formal or scientific contexts.
- Use them for Emphasis: Use active voice to highlight key elements and create a sense of urgency or importance. Reserve passive voice for situations where the emphasis is on the action or the recipient.
- Sentence Structure: A well-crafted document typically employs a variety of sentence structures. Experiment with both active and passive voice to keep the reader interest high.
The Perfect Balance Between Active and Passive Voice
Passive and active voices can create a narrative rich in texture and resonance. Whether you seek clarity, engagement, or a nuanced approach to emphasis, understanding when to use both is extremely important to bring your writing to life.
Perfecting the balance between passive and active voice is an art. Don’t worry though, because our experienced editors can help you master it. From refining sentence structures to ensuring coherence, we provide the meticulous touch needed to make your words resonate. Get in touch today for a bespoke quote.
