Grammar matters: relationships
Choose active or passive voice
Voice shows the relationship between the verb and the noun phrase associated with it.
- Most disciplines prefer sentences in active voice. The subject performs an action and the writing is more direct.
The students studied the exam timetable.
- In passive voice, the subject undergoes an action.
The timetable was studied by the students.
- Overuse of the passive can make your writing cumbersome.
- Passive voice is often used in science.
To do
- Changing passive to active voice (Purdue University, OWL)
More info
- Active vs Passive Voice (Purdue University, OWL)