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Voice
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When a sentence is written, it can either be written in active voice or passive voice.
Active voice is used when the subject performs the action stated by the verb.
For example: Tom changed the flat tire.
Passive voice is used when the subject is acted upon by the verb.
For example: The tire was changed by Tom.
In most cases, writing sentences in passive voice is discouraged because it can obscure the subject of
the sentence and confuse the reader. It also creates a wordy and awkward sentence structure. Once
you learn how to change passive voice to active voice, it's one less thing you'll have to edit.
Be in Control
Be more active. Sounds like something a parent would say to a child, right? Well, in a way, the
English language is a bit of a parental figure. It guides us in the right direction and has a consistent
set of rules to keep us out of trouble. To avoid the passive voice, remember some of those keywords
to watch out for.
In our very first example, "The tire was changed by Tom," "was" and "by" are both trigger words for
the passive voice. It's much clearer to be straightforward, and active, and say, "Tom changed the
tire."
Feel like you're getting the hang of it? That's great! This is one of the most important rules for
English writing. Before you close the book on the subject, read Active Voice Adds Impact to Your
Writing so you're fully in control of your sentence structure.
Answers to Practice Sentences
1. Sand filled the jar. (Sand is the subject, filled is the action)
2. Mary enjoys reading. (Mary is the subject, enjoys is the action)
3. Fire destroyed the town. (Fire is the subject, destroyed is the action)
4. John will clean the room every Saturday. (John is the subject, clean is the action)
5. Sara ate the cheese. (Sara is the subject, ate is the action)