What is Active Voice
A sentence can be either active or passive. A sentence is said to be active when the action indicated by the verb is performed by the subject. A sentence is said to be passive when the action is performed on the subject. In this article, we are going to discuss active voice in depth.
To understand this grammatical concept better, let us look at an example.
The dog chased the cat.
Dog – subject,
Chase – active verb
In this sentence, the subject (dog) is doing the action. (chasing)
In active voice, the subject of the sentence performs the action, and the object receives the action. The easiest way to determine whether a sentence is in active voice or the passive voice is to ask yourself ‘is the subject performing the action?’ Notice how this method is used in the following sentences.
The professor taught Chemistry.
Step 1: What is the Subject? – Professor
Step 2: Does the subject perform the verb? – Yes
Therefore, this is an active voice sentence.
Chemistry was taught by the professor.
Step 1: What is the subject? – Chemistry
Step 2: Does the subject perform the verb? – No (the action of this sentence is performed by the object-professor. Chemistry is being taught by the professor.)
Therefore, this is a passive voice sentence.
He lives in Auckland.
Step 1: What is the Subject? – He
Step 2: Does the subject perform the verb? – Yes
Therefore, this is an active voice sentence.
The boy is riding a bicycle.
It is important to notice that active voice sentences are shorter than passive voice sentences. They are also more direct and interesting to the readers. Since these sentences are short and direct, they are less confusing and less ambiguous.
Examples of Active Voice
Miriam Anderson donated half of her properties to a charity.
From where did you get this recipe? – My grandmother gave me this recipe.
He is driving too fast; he can’t control the car.
Did you know that the Hundred Years War between France and England lasted 116 years?
More than half of the class failed the final exam.
Don’t worry; Sam will finish this work by tomorrow.
She used to love dancing, but now she loves singing.
Didn’t you see the ‘do not disturb’ sign on the door?
He shielded his eyes from the bright sun.
The little girl tripped while running, but she wasn’t injured.
I’m very hungry. Can I have something to eat?
Active voice is the most common form in both spoken and written language. However, passive voice is preferred for some academic writing.
Active Voice – Summary
- There are two voices in language: active voice and passive voice.
- In active voice, the subject performs the action.
- Passive voice is the opposite of active voice. Here, the action is being performed on the subject.
- Active voice is commonly used in both spoken and written language.
- Active voice sentences are shorter and more direct than passive voice sentences.
