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Chapter 25 of 41

Active Voice

Use active clauses to foreground agents, actions, responsibility, and directness.

28 minutes 10 quick checksBy Subha Prasad
Lesson 25 of 41Course navigation

Lesson content

Read, practise, then check your understanding

In active voice, the grammatical subject typically performs or experiences the action. Active clauses often make responsibility and sequence clear, but voice should follow information focus rather than a rule that active is always superior.

Patterns and examples

  • The committee approved the proposal.
  • The storm damaged the roof.
  • Mira sent the files yesterday.

Notice how form and meaning work together. Read examples aloud, identify the controlling word or clause, and compare them with nearby alternatives before applying the pattern in new writing.

Practice sentences

  • Identify subject, verb, and object.
  • Rewrite a vague passive to name the responsible agent.

After answering, explain the rule in your own words and create one original sentence using the same structure.

Knowledge check

Answer every question correctly to complete this chapter.

Which explanation correctly describes active voice?
Which grammar term matches this explanation: A clause where the subject typically performs/experiences the action.
Which explanation correctly describes agent?
Which grammar term matches this explanation: The participant responsible for an action.
Which explanation correctly describes directness?
Which grammar term matches this explanation: The active voice tendency to name responsibility clearly.
Which explanation correctly describes intransitive limit?
Which grammar term matches this explanation: The inability of most intransitive clauses to form passives.
Which explanation correctly describes voice choice?
Which grammar term matches this explanation: Selection based on information focus rather than a universal preference.

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