Use active voice whenever possible. Active vs. Passive Voice

I hit the ball. The ball was hit by me. Active vs. Passive Voice

I hit the ball. Active voice The ball was hit by me. Passive voice Active vs. Passive Voice

Voice refers to the relationship between the subject of a sentence and the verb of the sentence. In active voice, the subject does the action of the verb. In passive voice, the subject is acted upon by the verb. Active vs. Passive Voice

In most cases, active voice is preferable to passive voice. Active vs. Passive Voice

Put these sentences into active voice: A plan was proposed by the director to cut costs. Students were advised by their teachers to shape up. Active vs. Passive Voice

Use passive voice when the receiver of the action is more important than the doer: The young boy was hit by a bus. Active vs. Passive Voice

Use passive voice when the doer of the action is unknown: The jewels were stolen last night. Active vs. Passive Voice

It was decided to wait until next week. An action committee was formed by outraged citizens. The speech was highly praised by the editor. The game was finally won by us. Active vs. Passive Voice

Also try to use action verbs whenever possible. John was angry. John looked angry. John’s face burned with anger. Active vs. Passive Voice

Also try to use action verbs whenever possible. The waves were so high the boat was nearly tipping. The waves towered over us, nearly tipping the boat. Active vs. Passive Voice

Also try to use action verbs whenever possible. John was sickened by the incident. John tormented himself about the incident Active vs. Passive Voice

Avoid linking verbs whenever possible. All forms of to be: is, are, were, am, etc. Sense verbs: seemed, looked, felt, smelled, appeared, etc. Active vs. Passive Voice

Avoid linking verbs whenever possible. Simone seemed sorry. Simone apologized profusely. Active vs. Passive Voice

Avoid linking verbs whenever possible. Freddy felt foolish. Freddy’s face glowed red with embarrassment. Active vs. Passive Voice