Active and Passive Voice

One of the key concerns in writing any sentence is to clearly convey who die what. The way you write can change how a sentence is perceived, whether the action is the focus or the character. There are two distinct voices which you can write in: active and passive voice.

Active Voice

• The subject of the sentence performs the action of the verb.
• The sentence makes clear who or what is doing the action.
• Sentences in the active voice are more concise; meaning fewer words are needed.
• The emphasize the doer of the action.
• They are often more dramatic and direct.

Passive Voice

• The subject of the sentence receives the action of the verb.
• The sentence focuses the attention on the action instead of the doer of the action.
• The sentences are more oriented on the action.
• They may also be perceived as more objective.

Helpful hint: the passive verb will include a form of the verb to be, such as is, are, was, or is being.

Example of the passive voice:

"A change in attitude towards Mexico is occurring on the part of the United States. In the past, an intervention attitude would have prevailed, but now a more patient attitude is being substituted. Since the NAFTA agreement, Mexico is being treated like a partner by the United States rather than an inferior."

Example of the active voice:

"The United States is changing its attitude towards Mexico. In the past, the U.S. would have intervened in Mexican affairs; since the NAFTA agreement, however, the United States is treating Mexico more like a partner."