15 differences between active and passive voice will let you clear your queries. Active and passive voice are two fundamental structures in English grammar that greatly impact the clarity, tone, and emphasis of a sentence.
Understanding the differences between these two voices is crucial for effective communication, especially for competitive exams. This article outlines 15 differences between active and passive voice in a concise, step-by-step manner.
1. Definition
- Active Voice: The subject of the sentence executes the action.
- Example: The teacher explains the lesson.
- Passive Voice: The subject of the sentence accepts the action.
- Example: The lesson is explained by the teacher.
2. Sentence Structure
- Active Voice: Follows a subject-verb-object structure.
- Example: The cat (subject) chased (verb) the mouse (object).
- Passive Voice: Follows an object-verb-subject structure.
- Example: The mouse (object) was chased (verb) by the cat (subject).
3. Focus
- Active Voice: Gives emphasis to the doer of the action.
- Example: The chef cooked the meal.
- Passive Voice: Emphasizes the action or the receiver of the action.
- Example: The meal was cooked by the chef.
4. Verb Forms
- Active Voice: Uses various verb forms directly.
- Example: The dog barks.
- Passive Voice: Uses a form of the verb “to be” + past participle.
- Example: The dog is barked at by the cat.
5. Use of “By” Phrase
- Active Voice: Rarely uses “by” phrases.
- Example: She sings a song.
- Passive Voice: Often uses “by” to indicate the performer of the action.
- Example: A song is sung by her.
6. Directness
- Active Voice: Generally more direct and concise.
- Example: The manager approved the proposal.
- Passive Voice: Can be further indirect and wordy.
- Example: The proposal was approved by the manager.
7. Clarity
- Active Voice: Typically clearer and easier to understand.
- Example: The athlete broke the record.
- Passive Voice: Can sometimes obscure who is performing the action.
- Example: The record was broken.
8. Use in Formal Writing
- Active Voice: Preferred for most types of writing for its clarity.
- Example: The scientist conducted the experiment.
- Passive Voice: Often used in scientific and technical writing to focus on the action or result.
- Example: The experiment was conducted by the scientist.
9. Responsibility
- Active Voice: Clearly assigns responsibility for an action.
- Example: The committee made the decision.
- Passive Voice: Can obscure who is responsible.
- Example: The decision was made.
10. Sentence Length
- Active Voice: Generally produces shorter sentences.
- Example: The dog bit the man.
- Passive Voice: Over and over again results in longer sentences.
- Example: The man was bitten by the dog.
11. Use in Commands and Instructions
- Active Voice: Commonly used in commands and instructions for clarity.
- Example: Close the door.
- Passive Voice: Rarely used in instructions.
- Example: The door should be closed.
12. Tense Consistency
- Active Voice: Maintains tense consistency easily.
- Example: She writes the report.
- Passive Voice: Requires careful tense handling.
- Example: The report is written by her.
13. Emphasis
- Active Voice: Places emphasis on the subject.
- Example: The artist painted the portrait.
- Passive Voice: Shifts emphasis to the action or object.
- Example: The portrait was painted by the artist.
14. Use in Different Types of Writing
- Active Voice: Widely used in narrative, descriptive, and expository writing.
- Example: The journalist interviewed the witness.
- Passive Voice: Often used in formal reports and legal documents.
- Example: The witness was interviewed by the journalist.
15. Impact on Tone
- Active Voice: Generally creates a more dynamic and engaging tone.
- Example: The speaker addressed the audience.
- Passive Voice: Can create a more formal or impersonal tone.
- Example: The audience was addressed by the speaker.
Conclusion
Considering the differences between active and passive voice is necessary for becoming skilled at English grammar and improving writing skills. Each voice has its own place and function, depending on the context and the writer’s intent. Active voice is typically more direct and engaging, while passive voice can be useful for emphasizing the action or maintaining a formal tone.
By recognizing these distinctions, writers can make more informed choices and enhance the effectiveness of their communication.By familiarizing oneself with these 15 key differences, one can effectively use both active and passive voice to their advantage in various types of writing, ensuring clarity, precision, and appropriate emphasis in every sentence.
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