Active and passive voice convey different meanings from "summary" of English Grammar for Today by Geoffrey Leech,Margaret Deuchar,Robert Hoogenraad
The way in which a sentence is structured - whether in the active or passive voice - can have a significant impact on the meaning and emphasis conveyed to the reader. The active voice typically places the emphasis on the subject of the sentence, highlighting the entity performing the action. In contrast, the passive voice shifts the focus onto the object of the action, downplaying the importance of the subject. For example, consider the following sentences: "The dog chased the cat" (active voice) and "The cat was chased by the dog" (passive voice). In the active voice sentence, the emphasis is on the dog as the one performing the action of chasing. On the other hand, in the passive voice sentence, the focus is on the cat as the recipient of the action, with the dog being mentioned as an afterthought. In addition to changing the emphasis in a sentence, the active and passive voices can also affect the clarity and directness of the message being conveyed. The active voice is generally more straightforward and concise, making it easier for the reader to understand who is doing what in a sentence. On the other hand, the passive voice can sometimes lead to ambiguity or vague phrasing, as the subject of the sentence may be omitted or placed at the end, making it less clear who is responsible for the action. Furthermore, the choice between the active and passive voices can also influence the tone and style of writing. The active voice is often preferred in academic and professional writing for its directness and assertiveness, whereas the passive voice is sometimes used in formal writing to create a sense of objectivity or to downplay the role of the subject.- The decision to use the active or passive voice should be based on the specific context and purpose of the writing. By understanding the differences between the two voices and their effects on meaning, emphasis, clarity, and style, writers can make informed choices to effectively communicate their message to the reader.
