Active Voice and Passive Voice

In English grammar, voice tells the relationship between the verb (action) and the participants (subject and object) in any sentence. The primary voices are two, active and passive. it is necessary to Understand and use them correctly for effective communication, writing as well speaking.

1. Active Voice

When the subject does the action which is expressed by the verb, it is called Active voice.

Sentence Structure:

Subject + Verb + Object

Examples:

The scientist conducted the experiment.
She wrote the report.
The teacher explained the concept clearly.

Key Characteristics:

The doer of the action (subject) is prominent and comes at start of sentence.
The main participant is who is performing the action.
Sentences are generally clear, direct, and concise.

Uses of Active Voice:

Clarity and directness: focuses the subject and makes sentences straightforward.
- Example: The committee approved the proposal.
Academic and professional writing: Often preferred in research writings for clarity and readability.
- Example: We analysed the data using software.
Everyday communication: It is natural structure while spoking English.
- Example: John fixed the car.

2. Passive Voice

It is passive voice when the main focus is on receiver or action rather than who is performing it.

Sentence Structure:

Subject + form of “to be” + Past Participle (+ by + Agent [optional])

Examples:

The experiment was conducted by the scientist.
The report was written by her.
The concept was explained clearly by the teacher.

Key Characteristics:

The focus shifted to the action or recipient of the action.
The performer of the action is often omitted if it is unknown, unimportant, or obvious.
Mostly used when the action itself is more important than the doer.

Uses of Passive Voice:

Emphasizing the action or result:
- Example: The vaccine was developed in 2020.
  (Focus on the vaccine, not the researchers.)
Unknown or irrelevant agent:
- Example: The window was broken last night.
  (We don’t know or need to mention who broke it.)
Formal or academic writing: Provides an objective tone.
- Example: Data were collected from 200 participants.
Scientific and technical writing: Common to highlight procedures rather than the performer.
- Example: The solution was heated to 80°C.

3. Comparison Between Active and Passive Voice

Feature	Active Voice	Passive Voice
Focus	The subject performing the action	The action or the object receiving the action
Structure	Subject + Verb + Object	Subject + form of “to be” + Past Participle (+ by + Agent)
Clarity	Usually more direct and concise	Can be wordier, sometimes less direct
Use in Academic/Scientific Writing	Less formal, less objective	Often preferred for objectivity and emphasis on results
When to Use	When the doer is important	When the doer is unknown, unimportant, or implicit
Example	The scientist conducted the experiment.	The experiment was conducted by the scientist.

4. Active to Passive Transformation

Steps to convert active to passive:

Make the object of the active sentence the subject of the passive sentence.
Use the correct form of “to be” + past participle of the main verb.
Optionally include the original subject with “by”.

Examples:

Active: The teacher gave a lecture.
Passive: A lecture was given by the teacher.
Active: Scientists discovered a new species.
Passive: A new species was discovered by scientists.
Active: The students are completing the assignment.
Passive: The assignment is being completed by the students.

5. Advantages and Disadvantages

Voice	Advantages	Disadvantages
Active	Clear, concise, emphasizes the doer, easy to read	Less formal in academic/scientific contexts
Passive	Emphasizes action/result, formal tone, hides agent	Can be wordy, less engaging, sometimes ambiguous

6. Practical Guidance

Use active voice when:
- You want clarity and brevity.
- The performer of the action is important.
- Writing narratives, blogs, or casual communication.
Use passive voice when:
- The action or recipient is more important than the doer.
- The performer is unknown or irrelevant.
- Writing scientific papers, formal reports, or objective statements.

7. Examples in Academic Context

Active Voice:

Researchers conducted a survey among 500 participants.

Passive Voice:

A survey was conducted among 500 participants.

Active Voice:

The team analyzed the data using SPSS software.

Passive Voice:

The data were analyzed using SPSS software.

8. Summary

Active Voice: Subject performs the action; clear, direct, concise.
Passive Voice: Subject receives the action; emphasizes the action or result, often formal or scientific.
Key Difference: Focus of the sentence—doer vs. action.
Rule of Thumb: Use active for clarity and engagement; use passive for formality, objectivity, or when the doer is unknown or irrelevant.