Active vs. Passive Voice: When to Use Each One

You have probably heard about active and passive voice, and you may have been told never to use the passive voice, but we’re here to tell you that both can work in different ways. Active voice is usually the appropriate option, but the passive voice has its place as well.

Active Voice

Sentences with active voice have an overt subject and verb, which means readers get to see “what or who” is doing “what.” In the following example, we’ve bolded the subject and underlined the verb.

Kids can find sea shells in the cave near the beach’s eastern side.

In this case, we know who (i.e., kids) is performing what action. It’s easy to picture what’s happening. Since the active voice helps to clarify ideas, it’s best to use it throughout your writing. You’ll sound more certain of your ideas, too, and readers will find your writing easier to follow.