Active and Passive Voice: A Simple Explanation
The voice of a verb indicates whether the subject of the sentence performs the action (active voice) or receives the action (passive voice).
Active Voice:
* Subject performs the action.
* Example: "The dog chased the ball."
* Subject: The dog
* Verb: chased
* Object: the ball
Passive Voice:
* Subject receives the action.
* Example: "The ball was chased by the dog."
* Subject: The ball
* Verb: was chased
* Agent: by the dog (optional)
Key Differences:
* Focus: Active voice emphasizes the doer of the action, while passive voice emphasizes the receiver of the action.
* Directness: Active voice is generally more direct and concise.
* Clarity: Active voice is often clearer and easier to understand.
When to Use Passive Voice:
* When the doer of the action is unknown or unimportant.
* When you want to emphasize the receiver of the action.
* When you want to avoid blaming someone.
Examples:
Active: The chef prepared the meal.
Passive: The meal was prepared by the chef.
Active: The company announced the new policy.
Passive: The new policy was announced by the company.
Why is Active Voice Often Preferred?
Active voice is generally considered to be more engaging, clear, and concise. It is often preferred in writing, especially in academic and professional contexts. However, passive voice has its uses, and it is important to understand when and why to use it.