What is active voice, and how does it differ from passive voice?

Active voice refers to a sentence structure where the subject of the sentence performs the action expressed by the verb. This construction is often more direct and dynamic, making it easier for readers to understand who is doing what. For example, in the sentence "The cat chased the mouse," the subject (the cat) is actively performing the action (chasing).

In contrast, passive voice shifts emphasis to the action being done to the subject. In a passive construction, the subject receives the action rather than performing it, such as in the sentence "The mouse was chased by the cat." Here, the focus is on the mouse and the action it undergoes rather than on the cat that is performing the action.

By emphasizing the subject performing the action in active voice, sentences tend to be clearer and more engaging. This distinction is crucial in writing as it can alter the tone and clarity of information being conveyed. Understanding this difference enhances one’s ability to choose the appropriate voice based on the context and intended impact of the message.