Active Voice Sentence Revision

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In this article, we will analyze the sentence "A decision was reached by scientists about when the experiment would begin" and determine which revision effectively changes it to the active voice. Understanding the difference between active and passive voice is crucial for clear and concise writing. We will explore the nuances of both voices and provide a comprehensive explanation of why the correct revision is the most effective.

Before we dive into the specific sentence and its revisions, let's establish a clear understanding of active and passive voice.

Active Voice: In active voice, the subject performs the action. The structure typically follows Subject-Verb-Object (S-V-O). For example, "The scientists conducted the experiment." Here, the subject "scientists" performs the action "conducted."

Passive Voice: In passive voice, the subject receives the action. The structure typically involves a form of the verb "to be" (is, was, were, are, been, being) followed by the past participle of the main verb. The actor may be included in a "by" phrase, but it is often omitted. For example, "The experiment was conducted by the scientists" or "The experiment was conducted." In both cases, the subject "experiment" receives the action.

Why Active Voice is Generally Preferred

Active voice is generally preferred in writing because it is more direct, clear, and concise. It makes it immediately evident who or what is performing the action. This clarity enhances readability and prevents ambiguity. Passive voice, while having its uses, can sometimes make sentences sound convoluted or unclear. It can also obscure who is responsible for the action.

When Passive Voice is Appropriate

Passive voice is appropriate in certain situations:

  • When the actor is unknown or unimportant: If the actor is not known or not relevant to the context, passive voice can be used. For instance, "The window was broken."
  • When the focus is on the action rather than the actor: Passive voice can be used to emphasize the action itself. For example, "The new policy was implemented last month."
  • In scientific or technical writing: Passive voice is sometimes used in scientific writing to maintain objectivity and focus on the results rather than the researchers. For example, "The samples were analyzed using gas chromatography."

The original sentence is: "A decision was reached by scientists about when the experiment would begin."

This sentence is in passive voice. Let's break it down:

  • Subject: A decision
  • Verb: was reached (a form of "to be" + past participle)
  • Actor (in a "by" phrase): by scientists

The subject "A decision" is receiving the action "was reached." The actor, "scientists," is mentioned in a "by" phrase, but the sentence structure still emphasizes the decision rather than the scientists' action.

Identifying the Need for Revision

The sentence, while grammatically correct, lacks the directness and clarity of active voice. It sounds somewhat formal and could be more engaging if rewritten in active voice. The goal is to make the scientists the subject and the performers of the action.

The question provides two revisions:

  • A. Before the experiment by scientists, a decision was reached.
  • B. Scientists reached a decision about when the experiment would begin.

Let's analyze each revision to determine which one effectively uses the active voice.

Revision A: Before the experiment by scientists, a decision was reached.

This revision does not change the sentence to active voice. It remains in passive voice. The phrase "a decision was reached" still uses the passive construction. The addition of the prepositional phrase "Before the experiment by scientists" simply adds context but does not alter the voice of the main clause. Therefore, revision A is incorrect.

Revision B: Scientists reached a decision about when the experiment would begin.

This revision successfully changes the sentence to active voice. Let's break it down:

  • Subject: Scientists
  • Verb: reached
  • Object: a decision

The subject "Scientists" is performing the action "reached." The structure follows the S-V-O pattern of active voice, making the sentence more direct and clear. The phrase "about when the experiment would begin" provides additional information about the decision but does not change the voice of the main clause.

Why Revision B is the Correct Choice

Revision B is the correct choice because it effectively transforms the sentence from passive to active voice. It makes the scientists the actors in the sentence, creating a more direct and engaging statement. The clarity and conciseness of the active voice enhance the overall impact of the sentence.

Let's delve deeper into why revision B works so well. The key is the transformation of the verb phrase. In the original sentence, the verb phrase is "was reached," which is a passive construction. In revision B, the verb phrase is "reached," which is an active verb.

Original Sentence (Passive): A decision was reached by scientists...

Revision B (Active): Scientists reached a decision...

By using the active verb "reached," the scientists become the subject performing the action. This simple change significantly improves the sentence's clarity and directness. The sentence now clearly states that the scientists made the decision, rather than implying that the decision somehow happened independently of their action.

The additional phrase "about when the experiment would begin" provides crucial context without detracting from the active voice. It specifies the nature of the decision, making the sentence more informative and complete.

Benefits of Using Active Voice in this Context

Using active voice in this context offers several benefits:

  • Clarity: It is immediately clear who made the decision – the scientists.
  • Directness: The sentence is more direct and to the point.
  • Engagement: Active voice tends to be more engaging for readers.
  • Conciseness: Active voice often results in shorter, more concise sentences.

Understanding the difference between active and passive voice is crucial in various writing contexts, including:

  • Academic Writing: In research papers and essays, active voice often strengthens the argument and makes the writing more persuasive.
  • Professional Communication: In business emails and reports, clarity and directness are essential, making active voice the preferred choice.
  • Journalism: News articles often use active voice to convey information concisely and accurately.
  • Creative Writing: While passive voice can be used for stylistic effect, active voice generally creates a more vivid and engaging narrative.

Example: Transforming Passive to Active in Scientific Writing

Let's consider an example from scientific writing:

Passive: The samples were analyzed by the research team.

Active: The research team analyzed the samples.

The active voice version is more direct and highlights the research team's action. It is also more concise, using fewer words to convey the same information.

Example: Transforming Passive to Active in Business Writing

Here's an example from business communication:

Passive: The report was submitted by the marketing department.

Active: The marketing department submitted the report.

The active voice version clearly states who submitted the report, making the sentence more direct and accountable.

When revising sentences to active voice, it's important to avoid common mistakes:

  • Incorrectly identifying the subject and verb: Make sure to correctly identify the subject performing the action and the verb describing the action.
  • Creating awkward phrasing: Sometimes, a direct switch to active voice can result in awkward phrasing. Rework the sentence to ensure it flows smoothly.
  • Changing the meaning of the sentence: Be careful not to alter the intended meaning of the sentence while changing the voice.

Tips for Identifying and Correcting Passive Voice

Here are some tips for identifying and correcting passive voice:

  • Look for forms of "to be" verbs: Passive voice often includes forms of the verb "to be" (is, was, were, are, been, being).
  • Identify the actor: Determine who or what is performing the action. If the actor is in a "by" phrase or omitted, the sentence may be in passive voice.
  • Ask "Who or what is doing the action?" If the answer is the subject of the sentence, it is likely in active voice. If not, it may be in passive voice.
  • Rewrite the sentence: To change a passive sentence to active, make the actor the subject and use an active verb.

In conclusion, the correct revision to change the sentence "A decision was reached by scientists about when the experiment would begin" to active voice is B. Scientists reached a decision about when the experiment would begin. This revision effectively makes the scientists the subject performing the action, resulting in a clearer, more direct, and more engaging sentence. Understanding the nuances of active and passive voice is essential for effective communication in various contexts, from academic writing to professional correspondence. By mastering the active voice, writers can enhance the clarity, conciseness, and impact of their writing.

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Active vs. Passive Voice Sentence Revision: A Detailed Guide