Active Voice vs Passive Voice: Difference & How to Use Them Correctly

Learn the difference between active voice vs passive voice, when to use each, and how they impact your writing clarity and style.

When you write, your choice of voice impacts how clear and direct your message sounds. The two main types of voice in English are the active voice and the passive voice. Understanding how to use both can improve your writing, making it stronger and more versatile.

In this article, we’ll explore what the active and passive voices are, how they differ, and when to use each one. By the end, you’ll have a solid grasp of how to apply them to improve your communication.

What is the Active Voice?

In the active voice, the subject of the sentence performs the action. The sentence is clear and straightforward. It follows the pattern: subject + verb + object. This structure makes it easy for readers to understand who is doing what. For example:

Active Voice Example:
The teacher explains the lesson.

In this sentence, the subject (“the teacher”) performs the verb (“explains”) on the object (“the lesson”). It’s a clear, direct way to present information.

Why Use Active Voice?

The active voice is often preferred because it creates strong, direct sentences. It makes your writing lively and engaging. Here’s why the active voice is useful:

• Clarity: You tell the reader who is doing the action right away.
• Brevity: Active sentences tend to be shorter and more to the point.
• Impact: Your writing sounds more dynamic and engaging.
• Tone: Active voice often conveys confidence and decisiveness.

For example, “I finished the project” sounds more confident and clear than “The project was finished by me.”

What is the Passive Voice?

In the passive voice, the subject receives the action instead of performing it. The sentence structure shifts to: object + verb + subject (sometimes omitted). This makes the action or the receiver of the action the focus. For example:

Passive Voice Example:
The lesson was explained by the teacher.

In this sentence, the object (“the lesson”) comes first, followed by the verb (“was explained”) and the subject (“the teacher”). The focus shifts from the person doing the action to the action itself.

Why Use Passive Voice?

Though the active voice is more common, the passive voice has its uses. Here are some reasons why you might choose passive voice:

• Focus on the action or result: When the action is more important than who performed it.
• Avoid blame: You might use passive voice to soften the tone or avoid naming who did something.
• Formality: The passive voice can create a more formal tone, often used in academic or professional writing.
• Unknown subject: If you don’t know who performed the action, passive voice can help. For example, “The letter was sent” works when you don’t know who sent the letter.

While passive voice has its place, overusing it can make your writing feel weak or overly complicated.

Key Differences Between Active and Passive Voice

1. Subject Focus:
   • Active Voice: The subject performs the action.
     Example: The chef cooked dinner.
   • Passive Voice: The subject receives the action.
     Example: Dinner was cooked by the chef.
2. Clarity and Directness:
   • Active Voice: Sentences are usually clearer and more direct.
     Example: The dog chased the cat.
   • Passive Voice: Sentences can be wordier and less direct.
     Example: The cat was chased by the dog.
3. Sentence Length:
   • Active Voice: Sentences are typically shorter.
     Example: The manager approved the budget.
   • Passive Voice: Sentences can be longer due to additional words like “by.”
     Example: The budget was approved by the manager.
4. Tone and Impact:
   • Active Voice: Creates a strong, assertive tone.
     Example: We solved the problem.
   • Passive Voice: Can sound weaker or less confident.
     Example: The problem was solved.

When to Use Active Voice

Most of the time, you should use active voice in your writing. It’s clearer, stronger, and keeps your sentences direct. Here are a few situations where active voice works best:

• Everyday Communication: Emails, texts, and casual writing benefit from the active voice. It helps you get your point across quickly.
• Business Writing: In reports, proposals, and presentations, the active voice communicates your ideas clearly and persuasively.
• Creative Writing: Fiction and storytelling often use active voice to keep the pace moving and the reader engaged.
• Instructions or Guides: When giving directions or explaining how to do something, active voice is more straightforward.

Example of Active Voice in Business Writing:
Our team completed the project ahead of schedule.

When to Use Passive Voice

There are times when passive voice is useful, despite its reputation for being weaker. Knowing when to use it effectively can enhance your writing. Here are some examples:

• Scientific or Technical Writing: In lab reports or technical documents, passive voice emphasizes the action rather than the doer.
• Focus on the Action: When the action is more important than who performed it, such as in news reporting.
• Diplomatic Tone: Passive voice can soften criticism or avoid placing direct blame.
• Unknown or Unimportant Subject: When the subject performing the action is unknown or irrelevant.

Example of Passive Voice in Scientific Writing:
The experiment was conducted using controlled variables.

How to Identify Active and Passive Voice

Sometimes, it’s not immediately obvious if you’re using active or passive voice. Here’s how to identify each:

1. Look for the verb. Find the action in the sentence.
2. Identify who is performing the action. Ask yourself, “Who is doing this?”
   • If the subject comes before the verb and performs the action, it’s active voice.
   • If the subject comes after the verb or is missing, it’s passive voice.

Active Example:
The company released a new product.
(Who performed the action? The company. What action did they perform? Released.)

Passive Example:
A new product was released by the company.
(The action happens to the subject, and the performer comes after the verb.)

How to Change Passive Voice to Active Voice

Switching from passive to active voice can improve your writing. Here’s how to make the change:

1. Identify the passive sentence. Find the sentence where the subject receives the action.
2. Rearrange the sentence. Move the subject to the front so it performs the action.
3. Simplify the verb. Use a direct verb that shows action.

Passive Voice:
The cake was baked by Sarah.

Active Voice:
Sarah baked the cake.

By making the subject active, you create a stronger sentence.

Common Passive Voice Mistakes

Writers often use passive voice unintentionally. It can sneak into your writing and weaken your sentences. Here are a few common mistakes and how to avoid them:

• Overusing “by”: If your sentences often include “by” (as in “was completed by”), you’re probably using passive voice too much.
• Wordiness: Passive voice tends to add unnecessary words. Aim for clarity and simplicity by favoring the active voice.
• Weak Verbs: Passive sentences rely on weaker verbs, like “was” or “is.” Use stronger, more direct verbs in active voice.

Passive Voice:
The report was written by the team.
(Wordy and indirect.)

Active Voice:
The team wrote the report.
(Clear and direct.)

Exercises to Practice Using Active and Passive Voice

Practice is key to mastering the differences between active and passive voice. Here are a few exercises to help you:

1. Rewrite Passive Sentences: Take sentences written in passive voice and rewrite them in active voice.
2. Identify the Voice: Read a passage and identify whether the sentences use active or passive voice.
3. Switch Voice for Effect: Try rewriting a short paragraph in both active and passive voice to see how the tone changes.

Exercise Example:
The letter was mailed by the assistant.
(Rewrite in active voice: The assistant mailed the letter.)

Conclusion: Active Voice vs passive voice

Active and passive voice are both important tools in your writing toolbox. The active voice delivers clear, direct, and engaging sentences, while the passive voice shifts focus to the action or the object. Knowing when and how to use each will make your writing stronger. Now that you understand the differences, practice using both voices to fit the tone and purpose of your writing.

Remember, the active voice will keep your sentences clear and concise, while the passive voice can emphasize actions or create formality when needed. By learning both, you’ll become a more versatile and confident writer.