Writing in the active voice

When should I write in the active voice?

Using the active voice is a key principle of plain English writing and helps to make a document more personal, direct and easier to follow. As a writer you should use the active voice in information, imaginative and persuasive texts, as that is the way we normally speak to one another.

When you write a sentence using the passive voice, the emphasis is placed on the action rather than the actor. The object (what was acted on) is placed before the verb. The actor (who did the acting) is placed after the verb or is not mentioned.

Making sentences active

Changing a passive sentence to active is easy. You simply put the agent into the sentence and place it before the verb.

Example 1
Example 2

Not only are active sentences more explicit and personal, they tend to be shorter. A clear and direct sentence is almost always better than a long one.


Passive: The matter will be considered shortly. Active: We will consider the matter shortly.

Journalists and report writers use active voice in their writings to ensure the meaning is clear and precise.


The local mayor demanded the closure of the tattoo parlour. The closure of the tattoo parlour was demanded by the mayor. The demand for closure of the tattoo shop was made by the mayor.

Sentences 2 and 3 use noun groups as the object, creating static and longer sentences. Use verbs in active voice whenever possible.

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Text version (.pdf 165kB)

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Rewrite a news story (.pdf 186kB) using the active voice.

Writing in the active voice

When should I write in the active voice?

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