Lesson 12: Active Voice

In this section, we will be discussing the difference between active voice and how to properly use it in a sentence.

Objectives:

To define active voice
To enumerate the different ways in which they can be used
To provide examples of active voice

Verbs can be stated in a sentence in two ways: either in active voice or passive voice. While bother variations contain the same meaning, changing the order of the words changes the context of your sentence. In this section, we’ll be focusing on active voice. We’ll be discussing its definition, how it’s used and the different ways in which it can be beneficial.

Definition

Active voice is when the subject is the do-er of the verb. It is more direct.

[WpProQuiz 128]

Examples & Usage

This makes for clearer, more concise sentences. Active voice always goes right to the point of the sentence—because it portrays the subject carrying out an action, it is able to convey more movement in a smaller amount of words.

For example:

Vladimir Nabokov wrote Lolita.

She is typing on the computer.

Lady Gaga is headlining an Asian tour this April.

Jason Mraz sang that song.

[WpProQuiz 129]

It is best to use active voice when the goal of your sentence is to emphasize the subject and not the action or the object—this way, you’re able to credit the verb to the noun and not the other way around. Also, this kind of sentence is generally easier to understand. This voice is good for calls to action, advertising copy and/or event invites (e.g. I’m inviting you to my birthday party).

In this lesson, we were able to tackle active voice. We were able to determine that the active voice is more direct because in it, the subject is the doer of the verb. We determined that for most occasions like advertising or reporting facts, it’s best to use the active voice because it’s clear and concise. However, we were also able to discuss the different times when the passive voice is appropriate.

[WpProQuiz 130]

This leads us to our next section—we’re going to be discussing the passive voice. We’ll be taking a look at its definition, how it’s used and on what occasions it might be better to use passive voice. Keep reading—you’re already well on your way to achieving excellent grammar status.

Looking for an exceptional company to do some custom writing for you? Look no further than ProfEssays.com! You simply place an order with the writing instructions you have been given, and before you know it, your essay or term paper, completely finished and unique, will be completed and sent back to you. At ProfEssays.com, we have over 500 highly educated, professional writers standing by waiting to help you with any writing needs you may have! We understand students have plenty on their plates, which is why we love to help them out. Let us do the work for you, so you have time to do what you want to do!