Active vs. Passive Voice: A Practical Overview
Quick Summaries
Active Voice
The subject performs the action.
Example: “The designer updated the stylesheet.”
Passive Voice
The subject receives the action (or the agent is omitted).
Example: “The stylesheet was updated (by the designer).”
When to Choose Each Voice in Real Conversation
| Goal | Prefer | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Sound lively, direct, and clear | Active | Puts actors up front, shortens sentences |
| Emphasize results over doers | Passive | Highlights outcome (“The files were lost.”) |
| Be diplomatic or tactful | Passive | Softens blame (“A mistake was made.”) |
| Give instructions | Active | More straightforward (“Press the key.”) |
| Discuss broad truths | Active | Feels authoritative (“Water boils at 100 °C.”) |
Converting Active → Passive
- Move the direct object to the front.
- Insert the correct form of be (is, are, was, were, etc.).
- Add the past participle of the main verb.
- Optionally introduce the agent with by.
Active: “Developers deploy the site.”
Passive: “The site is deployed (by developers).”
Converting Passive → Active
- Find the agent (after by) or supply one if missing.
- Place the agent in subject position.
- Use the base verb in the appropriate tense.
- Remove the extra be verb.
Passive: “The report was written by Sara.”
Active: “Sara wrote the report.”