Choosing between the active and passive voice is one of the most crucial stylistic decisions you will ever make when writing. Both are useful, but understanding when and how to use them well can improve readability, clarity, and engagement.

What Is Active Voice?

The action in an active voice is carried out by the sentence’s subject. Writing becomes more engaging, direct, and obvious using this approach.

Example:

The manager approved the project.
(Subject: The manager | Verb: approved | Object: the project)

Why It Works:

• More direct and vivacious
• Simpler to comprehend
• Keeps sentences short and draws readers in 

What Is Passive Voice?

The action is highlighted more than the subject while using the passive voice. Instead of acting, the subject receives it.

Example:

The project was approved by the manager.
(Subject: The project | Verb: was approved | Object: by the manager)

Why It Works:

• Helpful in situations where the person performing the activity is unknown or unimportant
• Useful for creating scientific or serious documents
• Can redirect attention to the action itself or lessen guilt

Drawback? Writing in the passive person can occasionally come across as wordy, indirect, or boring. 

Active vs. Passive: Which One Should You Use?

Use Active Voice When:

✔ Writing for engagement and clarity (e.g., marketing, narrative, business reporting)
✔ Providing guidance or convincing material
✔ Making succinct but powerful statements

Use Passive Voice When:

✔ The action’s perpetrator is either unidentified or unimportant (e.g., A mistake was committed)
✔ Writing formal or scientific reports that emphasise outcomes over actors
✔ Gently diverting attention from accountability (The problem was fixed.)

The Verdict?

In general, an active voice is a preferable option for writing that is direct, interesting, and clear. Nonetheless, when employed purposefully, the passive voice has a role.

Pro Tip: If your writing is dull or confusing, consider reworking lines in active voice for improved flow!

How do you feel about the active versus passive voice? Please leave a remark below!