Passive Voice
Passive voice produces a sentence in which the subject receives an action. In contrast, active voice produces a sentence in which the subject performs an action. Passive voice often creates unclear, less direct, wordy sentences, whereas active voice creates clearer, more concise sentences.
To change a sentence from passive to active voice, determine who or what performs the action, and use that person or thing as the subject of the sentence.
Examples
- PASSIVE VOICE: My first trip abroad will always be remembered by me.
PASSIVE VOICE: My first trip abroad is one I will always remember.
ACTIVE VOICE: I will always remember my first trip abroad. - PASSIVE VOICE: On April 19, 1775, arms were seized by British soldiers at Concord, precipitating the American Revolution.
ACTIVE VOICE: On April 19, 1775, British soldiers seized arms at Concord, precipitating the American Revolution. - PASSIVE VOICE: Thomas Jefferson’s support of the new Constitution was documented in a letter to James Madison.
ACTIVE VOICE: Thomas Jefferson documented his support of the new Constitution in a letter to James Madison.
Overuse of to be
(a related problem)
Using forms of to be (e.g., is, are, was, were) leads to wordiness. Use an action verb instead.
- Example: It is the combination of these two elements that makes the argument weak.
REVISED: The combination of these two elements weakens the argument.
Express Yourself
Developing the ability to communicate in a clear, organized, and effective way is a central goal of a liberal arts education — and a prerequisite for a successful career. That’s why we established centers for writing and speaking.
Tutor Appointments
Peer tutor and consultant appointments are managed through TracCloud (login required). Find resources and more information about the ALEX centers using the following links.
Contact
Office / Department Name
Nesbitt-Johnston Writing Center
Contact Name
Jennifer Ambrose
Writing Center Director
