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Active and Passive Voice

The active voice describes sentences where the subject performs the action of the verb, following a clear subject-verb-object structure that is easy to read. The passive voice constructs sentences where the subject is acted upon by the verb, making for unclear, roundabout sentences. Two passages are provided, one written in the active voice and one rewritten in the passive voice, as an example of how changing the voice can affect a passage's clarity and impact.

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697 views2 pages

Active and Passive Voice

The active voice describes sentences where the subject performs the action of the verb, following a clear subject-verb-object structure that is easy to read. The passive voice constructs sentences where the subject is acted upon by the verb, making for unclear, roundabout sentences. Two passages are provided, one written in the active voice and one rewritten in the passive voice, as an example of how changing the voice can affect a passage's clarity and impact.

Uploaded by

HuNt3R
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Active and Passive Voice:

The active voice describes a sentence where


the subject performs the action stated by the verb. It
follows a clear subject + verb + object construct
that's easy to read. In fact, sentences constructed in
the active voice add impact to your writing. With
passive voice, the subject is acted upon by the verb.
It makes for a murky, roundabout sentence; you can
be more straightforward with active voice. As such,
there are many ways to change the passive voice to
the active voice in your sentences.

Passage in Active Voice:


The studio managers cancelled the contract.
They hid behind their stoic lawyers who passed the
message down. The lawyers used words like ‘iron
clad’ and ‘final notice’. The actors raised their voices
and struggled to keep their emotions in check. Their
fury rose unbridled. They cried black tears over red
cheeks. They called their union reps who gave them
false hopes and made empty promises. They threw
their hands and the papers in the air. They were
exasperated and desperate. They didn’t need to act
this out. They knew unemployment cheques did not
promise a merry Christmas.

Changed to Passive Voice:


The contract was cancelled by the studio
managers. Hidden behind their stoic lawyers the
messages were passed down. Words like ‘iron clad’
and ‘final notice’ were thrust into their faces. Voices
were raised. Emotions were not kept in check. Fury
rose unbridled. Tears were making black rivulets
down red cheeks. A Union-rep was called. False
hopes and empty promises were doled out to
hysterical actors. Hands were flying; papers flew
even further. Exasperation and desperation were
etched on their expressive faces. No acting was
required. Unemployment cheques did not promise a
merry Christmas.

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