Active voice refers to sentences where
the subject performs the action of the verb instead of receiving
it.
Active voice:The
goth kids boycotted the prom.
The subject (goth kids) performs the
action (boycotted).
Passive voice: The prom
was boycotted by the goth kids.
The subject (prom) receives the action
(boycotted).
Although sentences in the passive voice are not grammatically
incorrect, active voice is usually preferable. Active voice will
make
your writing specific, interesting, and muscular.
Undesirable: The
morning announcements are always read by Mrs. Pringle.
Desirable: Mrs.
Pringle always reads the morning announcements.
Occasionally, you won’t know who or what performed
an action, and you’ll have to use the passive voice.
• Leah’s car was stolen in the dead of
night.
