Explain the difference between active and passive voice.

Active voice and passive voice are two different ways of constructing sentences, and they have distinct characteristics and purposes.

Active voice is the most common and straightforward way of expressing an action in a sentence. In active voice, the subject of the sentence performs the action, while the object receives the action. The subject is typically placed before the verb, and the sentence structure follows a subject-verb-object pattern. Active voice sentences are more direct, concise, and engaging.

For example:
- "John ate the apple." (Subject: John, Verb: ate, Object: the apple)

In this active voice sentence, John is the doer of the action (eating), and the apple is the receiver of the action.

On the other hand, passive voice is used when the focus is on the object or the receiver of the action rather than the subject or the doer of the action. In passive voice, the subject of the sentence receives the action, while the doer is either omitted or placed after the verb. The sentence structure follows an object-verb-subject pattern. Passive voice sentences are often used when the doer of the action is unknown, unimportant, or when the speaker wants to emphasize the object or the action itself.

For example:
- "The apple was eaten by John." (Subject: the apple, Verb: was eaten, Object: by John)

In this passive voice sentence, the apple is the receiver of the action (being eaten), and John is the doer of the action. However, in passive voice, the doer is not the main focus of the sentence.

It is important to note that passive voice can sometimes make sentences sound wordy, less direct, and less engaging. It is generally recommended to use active voice whenever possible, as it creates more dynamic and concise sentences. However, there are certain situations where passive voice is appropriate or necessary, such as when the doer of the action is unknown or when the object is more important than the subject.

In summary, active voice emphasizes the subject as the doer of the action, while passive voice emphasizes the object as the receiver of the action. Active voice is more direct and engaging, while passive voice is used when the focus is on the object or when the doer of the action is unknown or unimportant.