What distinguishes active voice from passive voice?

• A. The subject performs the action in active voice
• B. The action is always completed in active voice
• C. Passive voice strengthens sentences
• D. Active voice is less intense than passive voice

Answer: (A)

The distinction between active voice and passive voice primarily hinges on the relationship between the subject and the action of the verb. In active voice, the subject of the sentence is the doer of the action. This structure creates a direct and dynamic expression, making it clear who is performing the action. For example, in the sentence "The cat (subject) chased (verb) the mouse (object)," the cat is actively performing the action of chasing.

In contrast, passive voice occurs when the subject is acted upon by the verb, which can obscure who is performing the action. For instance, "The mouse was chased by the cat" emphasizes the mouse and the action being done to it rather than the cat performing the action.

Understanding this fundamental difference helps writers choose their voice intentionally, often opting for active voice to enhance clarity and engagement in their writing.