Write in Active Voice

Writing in passive voice is a habit many writers struggle to overcome. Passive voice weakens your writing because it creates distance between your words and your ideas. When you write in the passive voice, your readers don't feel as involved in your writing. You are holding them at arm's length with your passive style. An example of passive voice is: "The river was running over its banks." This style makes the action seem far away to readers and it is hard for them to relate to it. Active voice, on the other hand, is immediate and directly connects your words and ideas. When you write in the active voice, readers feel as if they are right there in the middle of the action you are describing. They care more about what you are saying. Active voice results in strong writing that speaks directly to readers. It makes your writing come alive with specific, concrete wording that engages readers' senses and makes them feel as if they are somehow part of the work they are reading. Rather than making readers feel that the action is far away, active voice brings the action up close where it is easy for readers to relate to it. An example of active voice is: "The river gushed over its banks." Keeping your writing in the active voice will not only strengthen your writing, it will excite and engage your readers and keep them coming back for more.