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What are some tips for maintaining active voice throughout an entire piece of writing?

Metta Mossdale

As an avid writer and user of social media, I have picked up a few tips and tricks for maintaining active voice throughout a piece of writing. Active voice is essential in keeping a reader engaged and interested in your writing. In this post, I will share some of my favorite tips for maintaining active voice in your writing.

1. Start with a clear subject

Be sure to start each sentence with a clear subject. Avoid starting a sentence with "it" or "there" as these are vague and can make it difficult to maintain active voice throughout the sentence. Instead, use a clear and concise subject to ensure your writing stays active and engaging.

For example, instead of saying "There was a beautiful sunset", try saying "The sunset painted the sky with beautiful hues."

2. Use action verbs

Using action verbs is another great way to keep your writing active. Action verbs lend themselves well to active voice and can help your writing feel more dynamic. When editing your writing, make sure to look for opportunities to replace passive verbs with more active ones.

For instance, instead of saying "The cake was eaten by my sister," you can say "My sister devoured the cake in just a few bites."

3. Write in present tense

Writing in present tense is an excellent way to maintain active voice throughout your writing. Present tense gives your writing an immediacy and can help your readers feel more connected to what you are writing.

For example, instead of saying "I went to the store and bought some groceries," you can say "I go to the store and buy some groceries."

4. Use shorter sentences

Long, complex sentences can make it difficult to maintain active voice throughout a piece of writing. Instead, try to use shorter sentences that are easier to read and understand. Short sentences also help create a sense of urgency and can make your writing feel more powerful.

For instance, instead of saying "Although it was late, I decided to continue working on my project, which required me to stay up all night," you can say "It was late, but I kept working until morning to finish my project."

5. Avoid passive voice

Passive voice can suck the energy out of your writing and make it difficult to stay engaged. It's essential to avoid passive voice whenever possible, as it can make your writing feel dull and uninteresting.

For instance, instead of saying "The ball was thrown by John," you can say "John threw the ball."

In conclusion, these are just a few tips for maintaining active voice throughout a piece of writing. By starting with a clear subject, using action verbs, writing in present tense, using shorter sentences, and avoiding passive voice, you can help your writing feel more dynamic and engaging. Remember, practice makes perfect, so keep writing and experimenting until you find the perfect blend of active voice and engaging storytelling.