Important Differences Between Active Voice and Passive Voice

Active Voice

Active voice refers to a sentence structure where the subject of the sentence performs the action indicated by the verb. In active voice sentences, the subject is the doer or agent of the action, and the object (if there is one) receives the action directly.

Characteristics of active voice:

1. Subject performing the action: In active voice, the subject of the sentence is the one who carries out or performs the action denoted by the verb. The subject is typically placed before the verb in the sentence.
2. Direct action: The action in an active voice sentence is expressed directly, with the subject actively engaging in the action.
3. Clarity and conciseness: Active voice sentences are generally clear, concise, and more engaging, as the subject is actively involved in the action.
4. Subject-verb-object order: Active voice sentences usually follow a subject-verb-object (SVO) order, where the subject is followed by the verb, and the verb is followed by the object (if present).
5. Active verbs: Active voice sentences often utilize active verbs that clearly express the action being performed by the subject. Active verbs are dynamic and vivid, adding strength and impact to the sentence.

Examples of sentences in active voice:

• “She wrote a letter.” (Subject: She, Verb: wrote, Object: a letter)
• “The team won the match.” (Subject: The team, Verb: won, Object: the match)
• “They are building a house.” (Subject: They, Verb: are building, Object: a house)
• “He ate an apple.” (Subject: He, Verb: ate, Object: an apple)
• “The dog chased the ball.” (Subject: The dog, Verb: chased, Object: the ball)

Passive Voice

Passive voice refers to a sentence structure where the subject of the sentence receives the action rather than performing it. In passive voice sentences, the focus is on the action itself or the object of the action, rather than the doer of the action.

Characteristics of passive voice:

1. Action received by the subject: In passive voice, the subject of the sentence is the one receiving the action denoted by the verb. The subject is typically placed after the verb in the sentence.
2. Emphasis on the action or object: Passive voice sentences often emphasize the action being performed or the object that is affected by the action. The doer of the action (if known) is usually mentioned with a preposition like “by,” but it can also be omitted if it is not important or unknown.
3. Verb in a passive form: The verb in a passive voice sentence is expressed in a passive form using a form of “be” (such as “is,” “was,” “are,” etc.) and the past participle of the main verb.
4. Object-subject-verb order: Passive voice sentences usually follow an object-subject-verb (OSV) order, where the object is placed before the subject, and the subject is followed by the verb.
5. Deemphasizing the subject: Passive voice sentences often minimize or de-emphasize the doer of the action, putting more focus on the action itself or the object of the action.

Examples of sentences in passive voice:

• “The letter was written by her.” (Subject: The letter, Verb: was written, Doer: by her)
• “The match was won by the team.” (Subject: The match, Verb: was won, Doer: by the team)
• “A house is being built by them.” (Subject: A house, Verb: is being built, Doer: by them)
• “An apple was eaten by him.” (Subject: An apple, Verb: was eaten, Doer: by him)
• “The ball was chased by the dog.” (Subject: The ball, Verb: was chased, Doer: by the dog)

Important Difference between Active and Passive Voice

Difference between Active and Passive Voice

Here are key differences between active and passive voice:

1. Sentence length: Active voice sentences tend to be shorter and more straightforward, whereas passive voice sentences can be longer and more complex due to the inclusion of the passive verb form and the optional mention of the doer.
2. Use of personal pronouns: Active voice often utilizes personal pronouns (e.g., I, you, he, she, they) as the subject, making the sentence more personal and relatable. Passive voice, on the other hand, may not always require the use of personal pronouns, as the emphasis is on the action or object rather than the doer.
3. Verb tense consistency: In active voice, the verb tense typically remains consistent throughout the sentence. In passive voice, the verb tense may change depending on whether the action is ongoing, completed, or future.
4. Level of formality: Active voice is generally considered more direct and informal, suitable for most everyday writing. Passive voice, on the other hand, can sound more formal or academic, and is commonly used in scientific, technical, or legal writing.
5. Active verbs vs. passive verbs: Active voice relies on active verbs that express direct action and engagement. Passive voice often involves the use of passive verbs, which describe a state or condition resulting from an action rather than the action itself.
6. Availability of information: In active voice, the subject is typically known and mentioned explicitly. In passive voice, the doer of the action may be known or unknown, and its mention is optional. This allows for flexibility in sentence construction and can help shift the focus as needed.

Similarities between Active and Passive Voice

While active and passive voice have several differences, they also share some similarities. Here are a few similarities between active and passive voice:

1. Both are grammatical constructions: Active and passive voice are both valid grammatical structures used in sentence formation.
2. Both involve verbs: Both active and passive voice rely on verbs to convey the action or state of being.
3. Both can be used in various tenses: Both active and passive voice can be used in different tenses, such as present, past, future, and so on.
4. Both can be used in different moods: Both active and passive voice can be used in indicative, interrogative, imperative, and other moods to express different types of statements or questions.
5. Both can convey information: Both active and passive voice can convey information about actions, events, or states.
6. Both have subject-verb agreement: In both active and passive voice, the subject and verb must agree in number and person.
7. Both can be modified: Both active and passive voice sentences can be modified with adjectives, adverbs, prepositional phrases, and other sentence elements to provide additional information.

Conclusion between Active and Passive Voice

In conclusion, active and passive voice are two different ways to structure sentences based on the focus of the sentence and the role of the subject. Active voice emphasizes the subject as the doer of the action, while passive voice shifts the focus to the action itself or the object receiving the action.

Active voice is typically preferred for its directness, clarity, and engagement. It uses a subject-verb-object structure, with the subject performing the action. Active voice is commonly used in everyday communication and writing.

Passive voice, on the other hand, is used when the emphasis is on the action, the object, or when the doer of the action is unknown or less important. It uses an object-verb-subject structure, with the subject receiving the action. Passive voice is often found in formal or technical writing, or when the speaker wants to de-emphasize the doer of the action.

While active and passive voice have their own distinct characteristics and usage, both forms are valid and serve different purposes in communication. The choice between active and passive voice depends on the context, desired emphasis, and style of writing. Understanding and being able to use both active and passive voice effectively can enhance one’s writing skills and allow for greater versatility in expressing ideas.