What is the Difference Between Passive and Active Voice?

I remember periodically throughout grade school; a teacher would mention passive voice. I never understood the difference between passive voice and active voice and always seemed to naturally form my sentences passively. Even in my adult life, editors pointed out that I was writing in passive voice. It grew into a scary monster that I didn't understand but couldn't avoid.

Because it didn't click in my k-12 years, I assumed I was doomed to violate the rule for life. Little did I know there is a time for both. Both can be correct, and writing in passive voice isn't the ultimate sin.

What is Passive Voice?

“...passive voice is better than writing out a humongous number and taking the risk that your readers' brains will be numb by the time they get to the verb.”

― Mignon Fogarty, Grammar Girl's Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing

In a passive voice sentence the subject follows the verb. In most writing mediums composing your sentences this way can confuse the reader. The attention is a fragile thing and we want the reader to have the path to least resistance.

“My lunch was taken by Samantha.”

Notice in passive voice sentences there is less accusation. You want to utilize passive voice in cases where you are playing an objective obseverer.

What is Active Voice?

Communicating through writing is about being understood. Are you clear? Are you concise? Active voice places the subject at the beginning of the sentence. It is a direct and sort of blunt way of writing. But it engages the reader. The word "you" is a good indicator of active voice. Although it can be accusatory it is also exciting and a viable option to drive emotion. Advertisements are written in the active voice to connect with the consumer.

Active Voice in Action

Let's take the following sentence:

"I threw my backpack out of the window."

You (the subject) did the action (throwing your backpack out of the window). This sentence is exciting. Active voice yields more interesting sentences and can keep your reader more engaged in the piece. If the reader has to dissect your sentence to figure out what's happening, they'll become uninterested and put it down.

Passive Voice in Lackluster Action

Passive voice is not necessarily incorrect. However, when pit against active, it is usually the inferior option. Passive voice places distance between the subject and the action. Doing so can confuse the reader and convolute your sentence. for example, we'll change our sentence from active to passive.

"My backpack was thrown out of the window."

Our previous example had the subject (you) first, while this sentence leaves it out entirely. Passive voice is less direct in its delivery. It gives the reader opportunities to be confused. You can be more straightforward by opting for active voice. Do not leave it out of your arsenal entirely though, there are times to use passive voice.

The Objective Third Party: When to Use Passive Voice

1. If you do not know who did the action.

"The money was stolen."

In this example, we may want to know who took the money, but we are just delivering the news for now.

2. To avoid accusation:

"My check was never shipped."

As opposed to:

"My boss never shipped my check."

3. The business world uses passive voice often to save the customer's ego and protect their own asses.

"The door must be locked."

Instead of:

"You must lock the door."

"Personal calls (except for emergency calls) are not to be made during work hours."

Instead of:

"You need to stop making personal calls."

It softens the blow. I don't know about you, but I'd rather work for a company that doesn't accuse me of leaving the door unlocked.

Use passive voice when you are playing the role of an objective third party. This could be a contract, a scientific report, or a company handbook.

Summary

Both passive and active voice have their appropriate uses. Use the one that fits the situation and print medium. These examples demonstrate that active and passive voice lend themselves best to specific types of writing. Utilizing each cause a shift in your tone and you're more likely to capture the response you are looking for by perfecting the way you deliver your message.