This is part of a series by editor Barbara McNichol to provide tips that help you write like a pro.
You’ve probably been urged to use “active” verbs when you write but do you know why? Because sentences written with active verbs:
- Clearly spell out the action being performed and who is doing it.
- Convey the ideas more quickly and directly than passive sentences.
- Frequently require fewer words than passive sentences when space is limited.
Two clues help you identify “passive” use in a sentence: 1) the word “by” and 2) variations of the verb “to be.”
Passive—“Employees are seen by their managers as responsive and enthusiastic.”
Active—“Managers see their employees as responsive and enthusiastic.” [Read more…]