Improving Style Through Syntax, Part 17: Using Active Voice for Clarity, Conciseness, Fluency

Since numerous posts about voice appear on this blog, I will not get into much theory. You can read about the difference between active and passive, when active is better, when passive is better, and five ways to change a passive sentence into an active one: (1) change the subject, (2) change the verb, (3) change the passive verb to a noun, (4) change the passive verb to an adjective. or (5) delete the occasional superfluous passive verb. 

Knowing how to use active voice will improve your style for three reasons:

1. Clarity 

Passive (unclear doers): You will be informed on Monday of the decision that will be made.
Active (clear doers): I will inform you on Monday of Al's decision.

2. Conciseness

Passive (17 words): You will be informed by me on Monday of the decision that will be made by Al.
Active: (9 words): I will inform you on Monday of Al's decision.

3. Fluency

Passive (awkward); The decision that will be made will be sent to you on Monday.
Active (fluent): I will send you Al's decision on Monday.

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Read previous posts in this series:

Part 1: Grouping and Dropping Prepositional Phrases

Part 2: Dropping Pronouns for Clarity

Part 3: Dropping Pronouns for Conciseness

Part 4: Avoiding—No, Managing—the Comma Splice

Part 5: Remedying Run-ons

Part 6: Freeing Fragments

Part 7: Placing Adverbs

Part 8: Placing Adjectives

Part 9: Placing Prepositional Phrases

Part 10: Placing Conjunctions

Part 11: Placing Interjections

Part 12: Placing Verbs

Part 13: Placing Nouns

Part 14: Placing Pronouns 

Part 15: Keeping Parallel Form

Part 16: Breaking Parallel Form