1. Subject-Verb-Object: In active voice sentences, the subject of the sentence performs the action,
and the action is typically expressed through a verb that acts upon an object. The structure is
usually "Subject + Verb + Object."
2. Clarity and Directness: Active voice is often preferred for its clarity and directness, making it
easier for readers to understand who or what is performing the action.
3. Emphasis on the Doer: Active voice highlights the doer of the action, making the subject of the
sentence the focus of attention.
4. Common Usage: Active voice is commonly used in everyday speech and writing and is preferred
in most cases for its straightforwardness.
5. Example: "The chef (subject) prepared (verb) a delicious meal (object)."
Passive Voice:
1. Subject-Verb-Object, but in Reverse: In passive voice sentences, the object of the action
becomes the subject of the sentence. The structure is typically "Object + Verb (usually a form of
'to be') + Past Participle + by + Agent (optional)."
2. Agent: The agent is the entity or person who performs the action but is often optional or
omitted in passive voice sentences.
3. Less Direct: Passive voice is less direct than active voice because it doesn't immediately reveal
who is performing the action. It can sometimes create ambiguity or confusion.
4. Emphasis on the Action or Result: Passive voice shifts the focus from the doer of the action to
the action itself or the result of the action.
5. Common Usage: Passive voice is used in specific situations, such as when the doer of the action
is unknown or less important, when emphasizing the result or action, or when it is a stylistic
choice.
6. Example: "The delicious meal (subject) was prepared (verb) by the chef (agent)."
When to Use Each Voice:
Active Voice: Use active voice when you want to emphasize the doer of the action, when the
doer is known and important, or when you want to convey information clearly and directly.
Passive Voice: Use passive voice when the doer of the action is unknown or less important,
when you want to emphasize the action or result, or when you want to create a more formal or
objective tone.
It's important to use both active and passive voice appropriately in writing, depending on the context
and the message you want to convey. An effective writer knows when to choose one over the other to
achieve the desired impact.