This handout is also available for download in PDF format. We refer to a sentence as being in the "active voice" when the subject is performing the action of the sentence (the verb). A sentence is in ...

Favoring active sentences over passive ones is probably the most repeated advice regarding clarity and concision. An active sentence is one where the subject is the source of the action. Conversely, a ...

On the other hand, a sentence is active when the subject performs the verb (action). For example, in this sentence the verb is active. Mr Brewer kicked the ball Whereas, in this sentence the verb ...

what you are writing about — as the grammatical subject of your sentence (see Verbs: Choosing between active and passive voice). When writing a complex sentence (a sentence that includes several ...

Writing in the active voice makes the meaning clear while keeping sentences from becoming complicated and wordy. Sentences using passive voice are not necessarily wrong, just less effective than ...

On the other hand, a sentence is active when the subject performs the verb (action). For example, in this sentence the verb is active. Mr Brewer kicked the ball Whereas, in this sentence the verb ...