• Linguistics and Language -> Grammar and Syntax

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What are some common mistakes people make when writing in active voice?

Kinsley Simpkins

When we write in active voice, we make sure that the subject of the sentence is doing the action. This is very important because it makes our writing sound more interesting and engaging to readers. However, sometimes people make mistakes when writing in active voice. These mistakes can make our writing confusing and hard to understand. Here are some common mistakes people make when writing in active voice:

1. Using passive voice instead of active voice - When we use passive voice, it means that the subject of the sentence is not doing the action. For example, instead of saying "I kicked the ball", we might say "The ball was kicked by me". This makes the sentence sound awkward and less clear. So, we always want to use active voice whenever possible.

2. Using weak verbs - When we write in active voice, we want to use strong, lively verbs that make our writing exciting. Sometimes, people use weak verbs like "is", "was" or "were". These verbs don't make our writing sound interesting or engaging. So, we should try to use more active verbs like "jumped", "kicked" or "laughed".

3. Overusing the passive voice - Sometimes, people use the passive voice too much in their writing. This can make our writing sound boring and dull. We should try to use the active voice whenever possible, to make our writing sound exciting and interesting.

4. Using long, complex sentences - When we write in active voice, we should try to keep our sentences short and simple. This makes our writing easier to read and understand. Long, complex sentences can confuse readers and make our writing seem more difficult than it really is.

5. Forgetting to use active voice - Finally, sometimes people forget to use active voice altogether. This can make our writing sound dull and uninteresting. So, we should always try to use active voice whenever possible, to make our writing sound more engaging and exciting.

In summary, when we write in active voice, we want to make sure that the subject of the sentence is doing the action. We should use strong verbs, keep our sentences short and simple, and avoid using passive voice too much. By following these tips, we can make our writing sound more interesting and engaging for readers!