Keep your writing lively and strong! Give it some action! Active/Passive Voice Keep your writing lively and strong! Give it some action!

Rule #2 Avoid passive voice in writing; passive voice weakens writing and contributes to wordy, boring essays. Voice is the form of a verb that shows whether or not the subject is performing the action. A verb is active if the subject performs the action (the subject acts upon something/someone). A verb is passive if the action is performed upon the subject (the subject is acted upon). Generally, use the active voice. There are (rare) occasions when the passive voice is acceptable, usually when the subject is unknown or unimportant.

Passive Voice It implies that you are a passive person who stands by and watches, instead of a person who takes action (college essay readers look for students who write in the active voice) It is easy to avoid if you know the signals & how to recognize it. Verb phrases usually include a verb in the form of “be” and/or “auxillary” verbs, such as am, is, are, was, were, been, being, be, have, has, had, etc. It may also be recognized when a verb phrase includes “by the…”

EXAMPLES Active Passive Alice left a message. We called the doctor. Julie wrote the poem. Edison created many inventions. The twister left a path of destruction. Passive A message was left by Alice. The doctor was called. The poem was written by Julie. Many inventions were created. A path of destruction was left by the twister.

Identify each sentence as active or passive The authorities have been notified. Dominic has already chosen his courses. The article was written by Terry. Sue was chosen by Fred to be on the team. The team will elect a new captain tomorrow. Mom added fresh mushrooms to the salad.

Rewrite each sentence using active voice The china was carefully packed by Janice. The cards were purchased by my mother. The snow will be cleared by the plow. It is believed that adequate penalties for drug dealers are not being handed out by judges. Coins are often thrown into fountains by tourists. Much concern is being voiced by the citizens over the failure to balance the budget.

Rewrite each sentence using active voice Mack was chosen by Kenzie to be her assistant. Many inventions were created by Edison. The article was written by Jessica. Many fine sites are hosted by Software Workshop. Everyone in need is helped by Lauren. Diane was made well by the medicine. Matt was enraged by Jeremy’s sarcastic comments. Ms. G’s wisdom is known by all FHS students.