Search our Frequently Asked Questions: Writing Help

Here is an explanation we think will help with the difference between active and passive voice.

• If you need further help, please come in and work with one of our tutors on campus.  Here is a link to our hours and location: SJR State Tutoring
• If you prefer to work with someone online, try Brainfuse.  This is our 24/7 third party online tutoring service, provided by SJR State

Use the active voice when writing because it is more direct than the passive voice. The longer the sentence, the more likely your reader will become confused and misunderstand your meaning.

For example, notice the directness of this active sentence: I will always remember my trip to Paris.

A passive sentence is unnecessarily long and convoluted: My first visit to Paris will always be remembered by me.

Here's another example:

Passive voice: The reason that he left college was that his health became impaired.

Active voice: Failing health compelled him to leave college.