Identifying the Active Voice- Unveiling the Sentences That Make a Difference

Which of the following sentences is written in active voice?

Understanding the difference between active and passive voice is crucial in writing clear and concise sentences. Active voice is characterized by a subject performing an action, while passive voice focuses on the recipient of the action. This distinction can greatly impact the clarity and impact of a sentence. Let’s explore some examples to determine which sentence is written in active voice.

Active voice is often preferred in formal writing because it is more direct and engaging. It emphasizes the subject and the action, making the sentence easier to understand. In contrast, passive voice can be more complex and may require additional context to determine the true subject and action.

Consider the following sentences:

1. The dog chased the cat.
2. The cat was chased by the dog.

To determine which sentence is written in active voice, we need to identify the subject and the action. In sentence 1, “The dog” is the subject, and “chased” is the action. The sentence clearly states that the dog performed the action of chasing the cat. This is an example of active voice.

On the other hand, sentence 2 uses passive voice. The subject is “the cat,” and the action is “was chased.” The focus is on the cat being chased by the dog, rather than the dog performing the action. While this sentence is still clear, it lacks the directness and engagement of active voice.

In conclusion, sentence 1, “The dog chased the cat,” is written in active voice. It effectively conveys the subject and action, making it a more engaging and straightforward choice for formal writing. Recognizing and utilizing active voice can greatly enhance the clarity and impact of your writing.