Active Voice vs. Passive Voice: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || Updated on November 18, 2023
Active Voice: subject performs action; Passive Voice: subject receives action.
Key Differences
In Active Voice, the subject of the sentence performs the action, leading to direct, clear, and impactful statements. In contrast, Passive Voice occurs when the subject of the sentence receives the action, often creating distance or objectivity.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 17, 2023
Active Voice is generally straightforward and concise, making the writing more engaging and easier to understand. On the other hand, Passive Voice can be used to de-emphasize the actor, focusing instead on the action itself.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 17, 2023
Active Voice is often used to maintain a fast-paced narrative, keeping readers interested and engaged. Conversely, Passive Voice is sometimes used to create an air of mystery or to be intentionally vague about who is performing the action.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 17, 2023
Active Voice tends to be more direct in conveying who is doing what, contributing to the clarity and precision of the statement. Passive Voice, while sometimes less clear, can be useful when the actor is unknown or irrelevant.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 17, 2023
In Active Voice, the sentence structure typically follows a clear "subject-verb-object" format. In Passive Voice, the target of the action gets promoted to the subject position, and the actual subject may be omitted or introduced with “by.”
Janet White
Nov 17, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Focus
On the subject performing the action
On the action or the receiver of action
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 17, 2023
Clarity and Conciseness
Generally clearer and more concise
Can be less direct and more wordy
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 17, 2023
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Active Voice and Passive Voice Definitions
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FAQs
Does Active Voice emphasize the subject?
Yes, it highlights the subject's actions.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 17, 2023
Can Passive Voice emphasize the receiver?
Yes, the focus is on the action's receiver.
Sara Rehman
Nov 17, 2023
Can Active Voice quicken the pace?
Yes, it's direct and keeps reader interest.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 17, 2023
Should Active Voice dominate writing?
Generally, unless strategic passivity is needed.
Harlon Moss
Nov 17, 2023
Is Passive Voice passive-aggressive?
Not necessarily; it's a grammatical choice.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 17, 2023
Does Passive Voice complicate sentences?
It can, by rearranging or extending structure.
Sara Rehman
Nov 17, 2023
Does Passive Voice avoid responsibility?
It can de-emphasize or omit the actor.
Janet White
Nov 17, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
