Here's a breakdown:
Active Voice:
* Subject: The person or thing doing the action.
* Verb: The action word.
* Object: The person or thing receiving the action.
Example:
* The dog chased the ball.
* Subject: The dog
* Verb: chased
* Object: the ball
Key Features of Active Voice:
* Direct and concise: Sentences in active voice are typically shorter and easier to understand.
* Emphasis on the doer: The focus is on who or what is performing the action.
* Stronger and more impactful: Active voice verbs create a more energetic and assertive tone.
Examples of Active Voice Verbs:
* The cat caught the mouse.
* The artist painted a beautiful portrait.
* The students finished their homework.
Passive Voice (for comparison):
In passive voice, the subject receives the action. The sentence structure is:
* Object + Verb (to be) + Past Participle + by + Subject
Example:
* The ball was chased by the dog.
When to Use Active Voice:
Active voice is generally preferred in writing and speaking because it's more direct and engaging. It's especially important in professional writing, where clarity and conciseness are paramount.
When to Use Passive Voice:
There are times when passive voice is appropriate:
* When the actor is unknown: "The window was broken." (We don't know who broke it.)
* When the actor is less important than the action: "The painting was stolen from the museum."
* When you want to emphasize the recipient of the action: "He was elected president."
Let me know if you have any other questions about active voice verbs!