What are some common errors to watch out for when using the active voice?

Active Passive Voice Questions Medium



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What are some common errors to watch out for when using the active voice?

When using the active voice, there are a few common errors that one should watch out for:

1. Incorrect subject-verb agreement: Ensure that the verb agrees with the subject in number and person. For example, saying "The dog chase the ball" instead of "The dog chases the ball" is an error in subject-verb agreement.

2. Misplaced modifiers: Be careful not to place modifiers in a way that creates confusion or ambiguity. For instance, saying "I only ate pizza" instead of "I ate only pizza" can change the meaning of the sentence.

3. Lack of clarity or specificity: Active voice sentences should be clear and specific, avoiding vague or ambiguous language. For example, saying "The car was driven by someone" instead of "John drove the car" lacks clarity and leaves the reader wondering who the driver is.

4. Inconsistent verb tenses: Maintain consistency in verb tenses throughout the sentence or paragraph. Mixing past, present, and future tenses within the same active voice sentence can lead to confusion.

5. Redundancy: Avoid unnecessary repetition of information. For instance, saying "She personally met him" instead of "She met him" is redundant since meeting someone is already a personal action.

By being aware of these common errors, one can effectively use the active voice and communicate their ideas clearly and accurately.