“I’M NOT PASSIVE YOU ARE”

The Importance of Present instead of Passive In Writing

 

Writing clarity and engagement are everything. Yet, many writers unknowingly fall into the trap of passive voice, creating sentences that feel distant, sluggish, or overly formal. By contrast, using the active voice—what we’ll call the “present” voice—can make your writing more dynamic, immediate, and powerful. So, let’s explore why passive writing holds you back and how choosing the active voice can elevate your craft.

 

What Is Passive Voice, Anyway?

 

Passive voice occurs when the subject of a sentence becomes acted upon rather than acting. For example:

   •       Passive: The report was written by the team.

   •       Active: The team wrote the report.

 

In the passive example, the action feels removed, as if something vague and indirect is happening. In the active version, the sentence immediately tells you who did what.

 

Why Does Passive Voice Feel… Well, Passive?

 

When you rely on passive constructions, your writing can come across as:

   •       Weak: It feels as though no one is taking responsibility for the action.

   •       Confusing: It hides the subject, making your sentences harder to follow.

   •       Uninteresting: Passive voice lacks the energy and urgency readers crave.

 

Think of passive writing like a film where the camera stays zoomed out. You see what’s happening, but feeling connected to the action is harder.

 

The Power of the Active Voice

 

In contrast, an active voice pulls your readers in by creating direct and engaging sentences. It prioritizes clarity and immediacy. Consider these transformations:

   •       Passive: Mistakes were made during the process.

   •       Active: We made mistakes during the process.

   •       Passive: The solution was discovered after much trial and error.

   •       Active: The team discovered the solution after much trial and error.

 

Active voice not only improves readability but also builds trust with your audience. It feels more honest and confident.

 

When Passive Voice Works

 

There are instances where passive voice can serve a purpose. For example:

      1.   When the doer isn’t important: The package was delivered this morning.

      2.   When you emphasize the action or receiver: The legislation was signed into law yesterday.

      3.   To create mystery or suspense: A mistake was made, but no one knows who is responsible.

 

Still, even in these scenarios, overusing passive voice can weaken your writing.

 

How to Identify Passive Voice in Your Writing

 

To spot passive voice, look for:

      1.   Forms of the verb “to be” (is, was, were, etc.) followed by a past participle (e.g., “written,” “delivered”).

      2.   Sentences where the subject receives the action instead of doing it.

 

A quick tip: If you can add “by zombies” after the verb and the sentence still makes sense, it’s passive. For example, The cake was eaten (by zombies).

 

Tips for Staying Present in Your Writing

      1.   Start with the subject: Ask yourself, “Who is doing the action?” and structure your sentence around them.

      2.   Use strong verbs: Replace weak, generic verbs with precise, vivid ones.

      3.   Revise actively: Reread your work with an eye for passive constructions, then rewrite those sentences in active voice.

 

Final Thoughts

 

Writing is a conversation with your reader; no one wants to listen to someone who sounds passive or disengaged. By embracing the active voice, you take control of your narrative, keep readers hooked, and create writing that stands out.

 

Remember, it’s not just about avoiding passive voice—it’s about staying present in your words and letting your ideas take center stage. So, next time you write, declare confidently: I’m not passive. You are! Then, let your writing prove it.