The active voice describes sentences where the subject performs the action of the verb, following a clear subject-verb-object structure that is easy to read. The passive voice constructs sentences where the subject is acted upon by the verb, making for unclear, roundabout sentences. Two passages are provided, one written in the active voice and one rewritten in the passive voice, as an example of how changing the voice can affect a passage's clarity and impact.
The active voice describes sentences where the subject performs the action of the verb, following a clear subject-verb-object structure that is easy to read. The passive voice constructs sentences where the subject is acted upon by the verb, making for unclear, roundabout sentences. Two passages are provided, one written in the active voice and one rewritten in the passive voice, as an example of how changing the voice can affect a passage's clarity and impact.
The active voice describes sentences where the subject performs the action of the verb, following a clear subject-verb-object structure that is easy to read. The passive voice constructs sentences where the subject is acted upon by the verb, making for unclear, roundabout sentences. Two passages are provided, one written in the active voice and one rewritten in the passive voice, as an example of how changing the voice can affect a passage's clarity and impact.
The active voice describes sentences where the subject performs the action of the verb, following a clear subject-verb-object structure that is easy to read. The passive voice constructs sentences where the subject is acted upon by the verb, making for unclear, roundabout sentences. Two passages are provided, one written in the active voice and one rewritten in the passive voice, as an example of how changing the voice can affect a passage's clarity and impact.
the subject performs the action stated by the verb. It follows a clear subject + verb + object construct that's easy to read. In fact, sentences constructed in the active voice add impact to your writing. With passive voice, the subject is acted upon by the verb. It makes for a murky, roundabout sentence; you can be more straightforward with active voice. As such, there are many ways to change the passive voice to the active voice in your sentences.
Passage in Active Voice:
The studio managers cancelled the contract. They hid behind their stoic lawyers who passed the message down. The lawyers used words like ‘iron clad’ and ‘final notice’. The actors raised their voices and struggled to keep their emotions in check. Their fury rose unbridled. They cried black tears over red cheeks. They called their union reps who gave them false hopes and made empty promises. They threw their hands and the papers in the air. They were exasperated and desperate. They didn’t need to act this out. They knew unemployment cheques did not promise a merry Christmas.
Changed to Passive Voice:
The contract was cancelled by the studio managers. Hidden behind their stoic lawyers the messages were passed down. Words like ‘iron clad’ and ‘final notice’ were thrust into their faces. Voices were raised. Emotions were not kept in check. Fury rose unbridled. Tears were making black rivulets down red cheeks. A Union-rep was called. False hopes and empty promises were doled out to hysterical actors. Hands were flying; papers flew even further. Exasperation and desperation were etched on their expressive faces. No acting was required. Unemployment cheques did not promise a merry Christmas.