WTF is Active Voice?

This tip is a classic: Use active voice, not passive voice, in your written content.

In the active voice, the subject performs the action of the verb.

What the heck does that mean? It means that the subject of your sentence (the person or thing your sentence is about) is taking the action (the verb, or 'doing word') in your sentence.

Consider:

"My work is made to be unique" Vs. "I make my work unique"

"A break will be taken over the holidays" Vs. "We'll take a break over the holidays"

"Sentences should be written in the active voice" Vs. "Use the active voice in sentences"

What's so special about the active voice?  Sentences are usually clearer and more direct in the active voice — making them shorter and easier to read. Active voice tends to be more descriptive and interesting, too. 

Now, some sentences do work better in passive voice, so use your judgment. But in general, the active voice is more relatable and persuasive than the passive. 

How can you use it right now?

Hop over to a high-traffic page on your site (like your home or about page) and scan through the copy for passive sentences.

Want a quick way to tell whether a sentence uses active or passive voice? Use the Zombies method. If you can add "... by zombies." to the sentence, it's probably a passive sentence.

Or, you can use a free online checker, like this one from ProWritingAid, or this one from Grammerly.

Then just rewrite any passive sentences to make them active.