Active voice
Definition
In the active voice, the subject performs or experiences the action expressed by the verb. The usual pattern is subject + active verb, followed by an object or complement when the verb requires one.
Examples
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The chef prepared the meal.
The subject the chef performs the action.
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Mina opened the door.
The person doing the action comes before the verb.
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The children laughed.
Active sentences do not need an object when the verb can stand alone.
Active voice vs. passive voice
The committee approved the proposal.
The sentence begins with the people responsible for the action.
The proposal was approved by the committee.
The sentence begins with the thing affected by the action.
The active voice foregrounds the subject doing or experiencing the action. The passive voice foregrounds the affected person or thing.
Active does not mean deliberate
The subject of an active sentence does not have to be a person acting intentionally. Natural forces, events and experiencers can also be active subjects.
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A falling branch broke the window.
The branch causes the event without intention.
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I received your message.
The subject experiences the event rather than deliberately causing it.
Common mistakes
The meal prepared the chef.
The chef prepared the meal.
In the active sentence, the person performing the action must be the subject.
Opened Mina the door.
Mina opened the door.
English active statements normally place the subject before the verb.
Quick check
Question 1 of 3
Which sentence is in the active voice?
In The mechanic repaired the car, the subject performs the action.Which active sentence correctly matches the meaning?
The storm causes the damage, so the storm is the active subject.Which sentence shows that an active verb may have no object?
Laughed is active and does not require an object.Nice work — you've completed the quick check.
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