[Jill Malcolm]

Here are few top tips. You might like to pin them above or on your computer and refer to them when you edit your writing.

1. Prefer simple words.
2. Prefer short sentences.
3. Use the active voice most of the time.
4. Be specific.
5. Don’t digress or ramble on.
6. Cut down on unnecessary words

 

 

[Srujana Samala]

Nice one Jill!

 

[Contact NZIBS]

Hi Jill,

Can you please describe what the “active voice” in writing is please.

Thanks!

[Jill Malcolm]

Hi Rose,

Good on you for asking. It is not always easy to grasp and takes a bit of practice.

 

Active voice is when the subject (ie the noun that goes with the verb in a sentence) is the actor.

Passive voice is when the subject has something done to it and nearly always involves the verb to be in some form.

Examples: Susan climbed the mountain. = active

The mountain was climbed by Susan. = passive

 

We enjoyed our meal at the restaurant. = active

The meal at the restaurant was enjoyed by all. = passive

 

The truck was driven by Alec. = passive

Alec drove the truck. = active

 

We were advised to stay in our rooms. = passive (no actor)

The management advised us to stay in our rooms. = active. (Here the management has been introduced as the actor).

 

The town was filled with people. = passive

People filled the town. + active

 

 

 

I’m not use what assignment you are up to but this will be covered again in in the course,

 

 

[Contact NZIBS]

Thanks for that Jill!

After reading that and going over past works I am happy to say I usually use the “active voice” when I write!

[Jill Malcolm]

Great Rose…. and that is all you need to do. The passive form can be handy especially when you don’t know who the actor is. So I never say  never use passive,  just prefer active!!