Why It Matters
Writing in active voice makes your content:
- Clearer
- Shorter
- Easier to follow
It also helps readers know who is doing what.
Active vs. Passive Voice
Passive:
The request form must be submitted to the approving official.
Active:
You must submit the request form to the approving official.
Passive:
The case number should be saved in your records. It will be required for future inquiries.
Active:
Save the case number in your records. You’ll need it for future inquiries.
How to Spot Passive Voice
Try this trick:
Add “by zombies” after the verb.
If the sentence still makes sense, it’s passive.
Example: The form was submitted (by zombies). Passive!
When Passive Voice Is Okay
Use passive voice only when it makes the sentence easier to understand or when the person doing the action isn’t important.
Examples:
- Forms issued by the Office of Government Ethics include the OGE-450 and the OGE-278.
- The agency is required to respond to requests within 20 working days.
