Active Voice versus Passive Voice

Reduce wordiness by using the active voice rather than the passive voice of the verb whenever you can. The active voice is not only more energetic but also more concise. Look at the following examples of weak passives:

• The windows had been smashed by the wind sometime during the night.

• BETTER   The wind smashed the windows sometime during the night.

• A speech was given by the delegate from Michigan, and a challenge was issued by him to everyone attending.

• BETTER   The delegate from Michigan gave a speech and issued a challenge to everyone attending.

• After the town was hit by a tornado, a call to the Red Cross was made by our mayor.

• BETTER   After a tornado hit the town, our mayor called the Red Cross.

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