Difference Between Passive and Active Voice

Published on 06-May-2023

Feature	Active Voice	Passive Voice
Definition	Active voice is a grammatical construction in which the subject of a sentence performs the action of the verb.	Passive voice is a grammatical construction in which the subject of a sentence receives the action of the verb.
Structure	In active voice, the subject comes before the verb and the object comes after the verb.	In passive voice, the object comes before the verb and the subject comes after the verb (or is implied).
Clarity	Active voice is generally more clear and direct than passive voice, since it clearly identifies the agent performing the action.	Passive voice can be less clear and may obscure the agent responsible for the action.
Emphasis	Active voice emphasizes the subject performing the action and can make the sentence more dynamic and engaging.	Passive voice de-emphasizes the subject and can make the sentence more static or impersonal.
Tone	Active voice is often associated with a more assertive, confident tone.	Passive voice is often associated with a more tentative or passive tone.
Verb Tense	In active voice, the verb tense typically reflects the time frame of the action performed by the subject.	In passive voice, the verb tense typically reflects the time frame of the action received by the subject.
Clauses	Active voice is often used for main clauses in a sentence, since it is more clear and concise.	Passive voice is often used for subordinate clauses, where the emphasis is on the action rather than the agent.
Grammatical Construction	Active voice is the default grammatical construction in English and is used more frequently than passive voice.	Passive voice is less common in English and is typically used for specific purposes or to avoid using the active voice.
Object Placement	In active voice, the object typically follows the verb.	In passive voice, the object typically precedes the verb or is implied.
Agency	Active voice emphasizes the agency of the subject, making it clear who is responsible for the action.	Passive voice de-emphasizes agency and can obscure the identity of the agent.
Sentence Structure	Active voice often leads to shorter, more concise sentences.	Passive voice often leads to longer, more complex sentences.
Clarity of Meaning	Active voice is often more clear and straightforward, making it easier for the reader to understand the meaning of the sentence.	Passive voice can be more ambiguous, making it harder for the reader to determine the agent responsible for the action.
Active vs. Passive Verbs	Active voice uses active verbs that describe an action performed by the subject.	Passive voice uses passive verbs that describe an action received by the subject.
Subject Focus	Active voice focuses on the subject performing the action.	Passive voice focuses on the action received by the subject.
Use in Writing	Active voice is often preferred in writing, especially in journalistic, academic, and technical writing.	Passive voice is often used in scientific writing, legal writing, and other contexts where the agent may be unknown or unimportant.
Pronoun Use	Active voice often uses pronouns such as "I," "you," "he," or "she" to identify the subject.	Passive voice often uses the pronoun "it" to refer to the action being performed.
Writing Style	Active voice is associated with a more lively and engaging writing style.	Passive voice is associated with a more formal and academic writing style.
Sentence Focus	Active voice emphasizes the subject and the action performed.	Passive voice emphasizes the action received by the subject.