Passive voice is often used in writing, but it can make sentences sound weak or unclear. By changing passive voice to active voice, you can make your writing more direct and engaging. Here are some tips on how to make this transition smoothly.
Passive voice occurs when the subject of the sentence is acted upon by the verb. It often includes the word “by” followed by the doer of the action. For example, “The book was read by the student.” In this sentence, the book is the subject being acted upon. To change this to active voice, the sentence would read, “The student read the book.” This change makes the sentence more concise and engaging.
One way to identify passive voice in your writing is to look for forms of the verb “to be” (is, am, are, was, were, be, being, been) followed by a past participle. Once you have identified passive voice, you can easily switch it to active voice by making the subject of the sentence the doer of the action. This simple switch can make a big difference in the clarity and impact of your writing.
Another way to change passive voice to active voice is to focus on the action in the sentence. Ask yourself, “Who is doing the action?” Once you have identified the doer of the action, make them the subject of the sentence. This change can make your writing more engaging and help your readers better understand the message you are trying to convey.
It is important to remember that passive voice is not always incorrect, but it can weaken the impact of your writing. By actively looking for opportunities to change passive voice to active voice, you can make your writing more dynamic and engaging. Practice this skill regularly, and soon it will become second nature.
In conclusion, changing passive voice to active voice can greatly improve the clarity and impact of your writing. By identifying passive voice, focusing on the action, and making the subject the doer of the action, you can transform your writing into a more engaging and effective form. Remember to practice this skill regularly to make it a natural part of your writing process.