Avigayil Damm

Use Active Constructions

By Avigayil • September 23, 2009 • Filed in: Learn how to write, Writing

Very often, sentences are difficult to read when they contain verbs in the passive form. In a passive form sentence, the subject of the sentence has the action performed on it, while in the active form, the subject is the doer of the action. Compare the following two sentences.

Active: My husband repaired the computer.

Passive: The computer was repaired by my husband.

The difference may look harmless, but try these following longer sentences.

The board of directors decided to appoint him as chief executive officer.

It was decided by the board of directors that he should be appointed as chief executive officer.

As you can see, not only the passive form is longer, it is also weaker. I am sure you agree that the active form of the sentence is much easier to understand.

 

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