What is the difference between active and passive voice?

Active Passive Voice Questions Medium



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What is the difference between active and passive voice?

The difference between active and passive voice lies in the way the subject and object of a sentence are positioned. In active voice, the subject performs the action stated by the verb, while in passive voice, the subject receives the action.

In active voice, the sentence structure typically follows the pattern of subject-verb-object. For example, "John (subject) ate (verb) an apple (object)." Here, John is the doer of the action (eating) and the sentence is focused on him.

In passive voice, the sentence structure is reversed, and the object becomes the subject. The pattern is usually object-verb-subject. For example, "An apple (object) was eaten (verb) by John (subject)." Here, the focus is on the apple being acted upon (eaten), and John is mentioned afterwards.

The choice between active and passive voice depends on the emphasis you want to give to the subject or object of the sentence. Active voice is generally preferred as it is more direct, concise, and engaging. However, passive voice is used when the doer of the action is unknown, unimportant, or when the focus is on the object or the action itself rather than the subject.