Here's a breakdown:
* Subject: The person or thing performing the action.
* Verb: The action being performed.
* Object: The person or thing that receives the action.
Active Voice Examples:
* The dog chased the ball. (The dog is the subject, "chased" is the verb, and "the ball" is the object)
* She wrote a letter. (She is the subject, "wrote" is the verb, and "a letter" is the object)
* They ate pizza. (They are the subject, "ate" is the verb, and "pizza" is the object)
Characteristics of Active Voice:
* Direct and concise: It clearly states who is doing what.
* Emphasizes the action: It focuses on the action being performed.
* Strong and impactful: It makes the writing more engaging and powerful.
Passive Voice:
The opposite of active voice is passive voice, where the object of the action becomes the subject. In passive voice, the action is performed on the subject.
Passive Voice Example:
* The ball was chased by the dog. (The ball is the subject, "was chased" is the verb, and "the dog" is the agent)
Why use active voice?
Active voice is generally preferred in writing and speaking because it is more:
* Clear and concise
* Direct and impactful
* Engaging and easy to understand
When to use passive voice:
While active voice is often preferred, there are times when passive voice is more appropriate, such as when:
* The actor is unknown or unimportant.
* You want to emphasize the object of the action.
* You want to avoid blaming someone.
In conclusion, active voice is a powerful tool for clear, concise, and impactful communication. It helps to ensure that your writing is easily understood and engaging for your audience.