Active Voice Versus Passive Voice
Generally using active voice is better for formal writing. It decreases the amount of vague words and also lessens the amount of words in a sentence.
In active voice the subject of the sentence performs the action. In passive voice,
the subject receives the action.
Examples:
Passive voice: It is believed by the majority of the student body that all grades
should be weighted.
Active voice: The majority of the student body believes that all grades should be
weighted.
Passive voice It was earlier believed that smoking wouldn’t harm a lot of people.
Active voice: People used to believe that smoking wouldn’t be that harmful.
Passive voice: The dog was bitten by the squirrel.
Active voice: The squirrel bit the dog.
Tip: Start the sentence with the subject to avoid writing in passive voice.
