Active voice is more suitable for direct and lively writing, while passive voice is useful in formal or scientific reports where the person or thing carrying out the action isn\u2019t very important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Follow along as we guide you to becoming a better writer<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Key Takeaways<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Active voice<\/strong> is when the subject of the sentence does the action. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s preferred when you want your sentences to be simple and direct to the point. Active voice also makes your tone sound more confident.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Subject + Verb + Object<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n In each case, the subject (the manager, she, the dog<\/em>) is the one doing something. They\u2019re in control of the action. <\/p>\n\n\n\n On the other side, passive voice<\/strong> flips the focus. Instead of the subject doing the action, the action happens to the subject. <\/p>\n\n\n\n In creative writing, it\u2019s often used if you prefer your statement to sound like the doer of the action is unknown or doesn\u2019t need to be mentioned.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Object + Verb (form of “to be”) + Past participle + (by subject)<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n As you can see (compared to active voice), the meaning of each statement stays the same. <\/p>\n\n\n\n But the tone changes. Passive voice puts the spotlight on the result or the object, not the person doing the action. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Just be aware that it can sound wordy or vague when overused, so use it sparingly or only during ideal moments.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Image Source: <\/strong>Unsplash<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n Knowing the difference between active and passive voice can change how your writing comes across. Here are the main contrasts to look out for:<\/p>\n\n\n\n We already tackled this, but to reiterate as this is the key definition, use active voice if you want to focus on the subject doing the action<\/em><\/strong>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Meanwhile, go with passive voice if the focus is on the action (it\u2019s even possible to skip the subject altogether). <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Example:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Active voice is often clearer and easier to understand. Passive voice can make sentences feel less direct or more formal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Example:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Both are fine as their own, but the first one sounds more personal and to the point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your tone in writing<\/a> gives your words attitude. Active voice feels more confident. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Passive voice may be better if you want to be more formal, especially in academic writing or customer communication where tone matters.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Passive voice is also preferred to add mystery or give a sentence more character. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Example:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Passive voice tends to be longer and more complex. In most cases, shorter means clearer, which makes active voice the arguably more popular voice in everyday writing.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n In contrast, passive voice can give you more flexibility and control with your pacing.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n That flexibility also helps when calculating your book\u2019s length<\/a> (or any other work) before writing, letting you know when to slow down the rhythm or add detail without breaking the flow.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As you can see, passive voice gives you room to develop a more emotional tone and add on to a single statement without having to cut it into multiple sentences. <\/p>\n\n\n Have an ongoing project, and need an expert to check it? <\/p>\n\n\n\n The Undetectable AI Grammar Checker<\/em><\/a> is free to use and instantly checks your writing for grammar, spelling, and punctuation issues. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You\u2019ll also get AI-powered suggestions to help you improve clarity, fix awkward phrasing, and write more effectively.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n
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\n\n\n\nWhat Is Active Voice?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Here\u2019s the active voice structure:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Examples:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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What Is Passive Voice?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Here\u2019s how the passive voice is structured:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Examples:<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\n
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![\"\nperson](\"https:\/\/undetectable.ai/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Active-and-passive-voice-002-1024x683.jpg\")
<\/picture><\/figure>\n\n\n\nActive vs Passive Voice: Key Differences<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Focus<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Clarity<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Tone<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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Length<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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![\"\"](\"https:\/\/undetectable.ai/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Grammar-checker-1024x620.jpg\")
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![\"Woman](\"https:\/\/undetectable.ai/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Active-and-Passive-Voice-001-1024x683.jpg\")
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