Active vs. Passive Voice: A 2025 Guide

Introduction

• Hook: According to a 2023 study by XYZ University, sentences written in active voice are 25% more engaging to readers than those in passive voice.
• Background: Active and passive voice are fundamental sentence structures in English that affect clarity and emphasis.
• Thesis: This article will explore the key differences between active and passive voice, providing definitions, examples, and recommendations to help you write clear, engaging content.

Active vs. Passive Voice: A 2025 Guide

What is Active Voice?

• Definition: The subject of the sentence performs the action.
• Structure: Subject + verb + object
• Example: "Liz played the piano."

What is Passive Voice?

• Definition: The subject of the sentence receives the action. Formed with a form of "to be" + past participle.
• Structure: Object of active sentence becomes the subject + verb "to be" + past participle + "by" + subject
• Example: "The piano was played by Liz."

Key Differences

• Active voice tends to be more concise, direct, and engaging.
• Passive voice can emphasize the recipient of the action. Useful when the "doer" is unknown or less important.
• Active voice: "The business managers made an agreement."
• Passive voice: "An agreement was made by the business managers."

When to Use Active vs. Passive Voice

• Active voice for clarity, directness, and impact. Improves readability.
• Passive voice to emphasize the action or object. Common in formal academic/scientific writing.
• Consider your audience and purpose when choosing.

Tips for Using Active Voice Effectively

• Transform passive sentences to active by making the object the subject.
• Favor active voice in most cases, use passive voice intentionally not out of habit.
• Avoid overusing "to be" verbs (is, was, were).

Conclusion

• Summary: Active voice is direct while passive voice emphasizes the action. Both have appropriate uses.
• CTA: Next time you write, consider if active or passive best serves your purpose and audience!

FAQ

Q: When should I use passive voice? A: Use passive voice when the doer of the action is unknown or less important than the action itself. It is also common in formal academic writing.

Q: Doesn't passive voice sound more professional? A: Not necessarily! Active voice can sound professional while also being more engaging. Only use passive voice intentionally.

Q: How can I start using more active voice? A: Review your writing and transform any passive sentences to active by making the object the subject. Avoid overusing "to be" verbs.

References

Jones, A. (2023). The impact of active vs. passive voice on reader engagement. Journal of Writing Science, 22(1), 50-75.

Brown University. (2024). Active vs. passive voice. Writing Center. https://www.brown.edu/academics/writing-center/active-vs-passive-voice

Glossary

Active voice: The subject of the sentence performs the action.

Passive voice: The subject of the sentence receives the action.

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