Active Voice

Definition

Active voice is a grammatical structure where the subject of the sentence performs the action rather than receiving it. This approach leads to clearer, more direct sentences that often enhance the readability and engagement of writing. By using active voice, writers can streamline their prose and make their points more compelling, which is particularly beneficial in communication where clarity and impact are essential.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Active voice makes sentences more dynamic and engaging by clearly indicating who is responsible for the action.
2. Using active voice can significantly reduce wordiness, which helps in creating concise and impactful communication.
3. In business writing, active voice fosters a sense of accountability and encourages directness, making messages more effective.
4. When revising text, shifting from passive to active voice can dramatically improve clarity and reader comprehension.
5. Active voice is generally preferred in professional correspondence, as it conveys confidence and authority in the message.

Review Questions

• How does using active voice contribute to streamlining communication?
  • Using active voice streamlines communication by making sentences shorter and more straightforward. It eliminates unnecessary words that often come with passive constructions. This leads to clearer messages that are easier for readers to understand quickly, enhancing overall efficiency in communication.
• In what ways can active voice be utilized to polish and finalize a piece of writing?
  • Active voice can be used to polish writing by enhancing clarity and removing ambiguity. When finalizing a document, transforming passive constructions into active voice strengthens arguments and improves flow. This creates a more polished product that engages readers and conveys professionalism.
• Evaluate the impact of using active voice on business correspondence effectiveness compared to passive voice.
  • Using active voice in business correspondence significantly enhances effectiveness by making communication clearer and more direct. Active voice instills a sense of urgency and accountability, helping the writer convey their message with confidence. In contrast, passive voice can create distance between the writer and the message, leading to misunderstandings or a lack of engagement from the reader. Thus, adopting active voice fosters stronger relationships in professional settings.

Related terms

Passive Voice: A grammatical construction in which the subject of the sentence is acted upon by the verb, often leading to less direct and sometimes vague sentences.

Clarity:

The quality of being clear and easy to understand, which active voice helps achieve by eliminating ambiguity in writing.

Conciseness:

The practice of expressing ideas in a few words without unnecessary elaboration, often enhanced by the use of active voice.