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Home : Ultimate Style : Usage : Active Voice
 
 

Usage

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Active Voice
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.

 

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