Usage of Active and Passive Voice

A Comprehensive Guide to the use of Active and Passive Voice

Voices dominate the written sentences in English. There are two types of voices -active or passive voice when it comes to writing. Active voice is more direct where the doer of the action is the subject of the sentence. This stands contrary to the indirect tone of the passive voice where the subject of the sentence acts upon the object. For example, Seema baked cookies is an example of active voice where doer in the sentence (the act of baking cookies) is Seema who is the subject. 

Similarly, its conversion into passive voice would place the subject of the active voice at the end, for instance, the cookies were baked by Seema. Here the object from the active voice is placed at the beginning (cookies) and is dependent on the subject (that is, Seema). In this comprehensive guide, we will give you a lesson on the topic and by the end of this guide, you will acquire a better grasp and understanding of the concept. 

What are some of the major characteristics and perceptions associated with Active and Passive Voice?

Following are some perceptions concerning active and passive voice that also underlines their significance. it focuses on the reasons why one form of voice is preferable to the other-

• Structure and tone of the sentence – Discussions, and debates have taken place concerning the selection of any one form of a voice in the sentence; active or passive. Taking the concept of sentence tone and structure, it is generally believed that sentences should be written in an active voice as it makes the writing and the sentences more concise and it conveys a strong and clear tone. 
• Contrary to the active voice, passive voice requires more words and if not written properly, the sentences would refuse to make sense and can appear vague to the readers. However, passive voice is also encouraged in various areas, for example, it is used by the authors as a tool in fiction writing. It is believed that the mystery writers use the passive voice as it helps them to conceal secrets within their stories. 
• Passive voice is also a primary choice in academic as well as scientific writing. In short, the usage of either active or passive voice depends on the message that the writer wishes to convey. If the writer chooses to focus on the action, then the use of passive voice is necessary, and in case the focus is on the doer, then one must use the active voice.

• Rules about using active and passive voices in certain areas – In the contemporary era, active voice is more preferable in academic writing to passive writing as academia has taken a preference towards a more direct tone. However, passive voice is still acceptable in academic writing. Since active voice wins the challenge in the competition between the usage of active and passive voice, there are various cases where and when the use of passive voice is encouraged.
• Passive voice emphasises the action rather than the doer. 
• It can be used to keep the focus on the same subject through several sentences and paragraphs. 
• Passive voice can also be used when one does not know who performed the action. For instance,” the answers have been filled in” is one of the sentences where the subject or the doer has not been mentioned but the action taken place is clearly evident. 
• Another correct use of passive sentences happens when the writer chooses not to mention the doer of the action to the readers. For instance, “I was given some bad advice” does not state as to “who” gave the bad advice. Here, the identity of the doer is hidden. The translation of these sentences into active voice is difficult because it would change the tone and structure of the substance as it necessitates revealing the identity of the subject. 

What are some of the examples of the transformation of Active Voice into Passive Voice and Vice Versa?

Following are some examples underlying the transformation of Active into Passive Voice and vice versa-

• Lara ate 4 Chapatis at dinner (Active)

• Four chapatis were eaten by Lara at dinner (Passive)
• The flat tire was changed by Ravi (Passive voice)
• Ravi changed the flat tire (Active voice)
• The livestock was killed by the forest fire (Passive voice)

• The forest fire killed the livestock (Active voice)

Conclusion 

Usage of active and passive voice shows how sentence structures are different and become either direct or indirect in their tone and formation. Active voice is used in numerous areas and is more acceptable compared to passive voice.