80 Active Voice Examples With Sentence

In writing, active voice is a powerful tool. It makes your sentences clear, concise, and easier for your readers to follow. Unlike passive voice, where the subject of the sentence is acted upon, active voice focuses on the subject performing the action. Understanding the structure and usage of active voice is essential for anyone looking to improve their writing skills.

In this article, we’ll explore 80 active voice examples and explain how to use them effectively. You’ll learn how to identify, use, and enhance your writing by incorporating active voice in your sentences.

What is Active Voice?

Active voice refers to a sentence structure in which the subject performs the action expressed by the verb. This structure makes sentences more straightforward, engaging, and easier to understand. The basic formula for an active voice sentence is:

• Subject + Verb + Object

Where:

• Subject is the doer of the action.

• Verb represents the action performed.

• Object is the recipient of the action.

Active Voice Structure in Detail

1. Subject: This is the person, thing, or animal performing the action.

2. Verb: The action that the subject is performing.

3. Object: This is the entity receiving the action (if applicable).

Example 1:

• “The chef (subject) cooked (verb) the meal (object).”
  In this sentence, the chef is doing the action of cooking, and the meal is the object receiving the action.

Example 2:

• “She (subject) writes (verb) a letter (object).”
  Here, the subject (she) is performing the action (writing), and the object (letter) is what is being written.

Example 3:

• “Birds (subject) chirp (verb).”
  In this case, there is no object because the verb “chirp” is intransitive. This still forms an active voice sentence.

How to Write in Active Voice

Writing in active voice enhances clarity and strengthens your sentence structure. Here’s how you can incorporate active voice into your writing effectively:

1. Identify the Subject and Verb
   Start by identifying who or what is performing the action (subject) and the action itself (verb). The subject should come first.

2. Place the Subject Before the Verb
   In active voice, the subject always comes before the verb. This makes it clear who is performing the action. For example, instead of saying “The project was approved by the manager,” say “The manager approved the project.”

3. Use Direct Language
   Choose strong, vivid verbs that describe the action clearly. Avoid unnecessary words that might add ambiguity.

4. Check for the Object
   If there is an object in the sentence, it should come after the verb. For instance, “The teacher teaches the students.”

5. Minimize “By” Phrases
   Passive voice often uses “by” phrases, such as “The book was written by the author.” Try to minimize these and convert to active voice, for example, “The author wrote the book.”

6. Revise Passive Constructions
   If you spot a passive sentence, revise it by asking, “Who is doing this action?” Then, move that person or thing to the subject position.

7. Practice with Examples
   Convert passive sentences into active voice as practice. Example:

   • Passive: “The ball was thrown by John.”

   • Active: “John threw the ball.”

8. Be Consistent
   Consistency is key. Mixing active and passive voice in a single piece of writing can confuse readers. Aim for a clear, uniform style.

Active Voice vs. Passive Voice

Understanding the difference between active and passive voice is essential to making the right choice in writing. Here’s how they compare:

Active Voice Examples in Sentences

Here are 80 active voice examples across different contexts:

• The cat chased the mouse.

• She baked a delicious cake.

• He fixed the broken bike.

• They played soccer in the park.

• The teacher explained the lesson.

• She painted a beautiful picture.

• He wrote a heartfelt letter.

• The dog barked at the stranger.

• The chef cooked a gourmet meal.

• She cleaned the messy room.

• The students solved the math problems.

• He sang his favorite song.

• She watered the plants daily.

• The children built a sandcastle.

• He drove the car to work.

• She read an interesting book.

• The company launched a new product.

• He designed a stunning website.

• She organized the charity event.

• The team won the championship game.

• The researcher conducted the experiment.

• They discussed the new proposal.

• She analyzed the data thoroughly.

• He performed the experiment successfully.

• The professor reviewed the article.

• The chef prepared a wonderful dinner.

• The teacher gave the students their assignments.

• She answered the phone immediately.

• The artist created a beautiful sculpture.

• We enjoyed the movie.

• He helped his friend with the homework.

• They celebrated the victory in the park.

• The dog fetched the ball.

• The writer completed the manuscript.

• She composed a lovely song.

• The manager approved the proposal.

• He finished his work on time.

• They completed the project successfully.

• She directed the movie efficiently.

• The children cleaned their rooms.

• I completed the assignment.

• The team organized the event.

• She helped her sister with the task.

• They sang a beautiful song.

• The students presented their findings.

• I answered all the questions.

• He worked on the project all night.

• She fixed the leaky faucet.

• The company increased the sales last quarter.

• They planted new trees in the garden.

• He started his own business.

• We ate a delicious breakfast.

• She taught the class with enthusiasm.

• The players practiced every day.

• They enjoyed their vacation in the mountains.

• I visited the museum last weekend.

• She danced gracefully at the recital.

• He reached the summit of the mountain.

• The team completed the marathon.

• She ran a successful campaign.

• They attended the seminar yesterday.

• He painted the house last week.

• The company developed a new software application.

• She planned the event for months.

• I ran the race in under 30 minutes.

• The child drew a picture of a tree.

• They cleaned the kitchen after dinner.

• The scientist discovered a new species.

• She greeted the guests at the door.

• They reached an agreement during the meeting.

• I wrote a letter to my friend.

• The audience applauded the performance.

• She created a beautiful website.

• He designed the logo for the company.

• We booked the hotel for the vacation.

• They promoted the new product on social media.

• The coach instructed the players on technique.

• I exercised in the gym this morning.

• They watched the sunset from the beach.

• She closed the door gently.

Active Voice Examples in Writing

Active voice can be utilized in various types of writing. Below are examples in different contexts:

Academic Writing

1. The researcher conducted the experiment.

2. Students completed the assignments on time.

3. The professor explained the complex theories.

4. The study revealed significant findings.

5. The author analyzed the data thoroughly.

Business Writing

1. The manager approved the budget proposal.

2. The team developed a new strategy.

3. She presented the quarterly report.

4. The company launched a marketing campaign.

5. They signed the contract yesterday.

Creative Writing

1. The hero saved the village from the dragon.

2. She discovered a hidden treasure in the forest.

3. He painted a masterpiece that captivated everyone.

4. The storm ravaged the coastal town.

5. The detective solved the mystery quickly.

Active Voice Examples in Different Tenses

Active voice can be used in various tenses to express actions happening in the present, past, or future. Below are examples of active voice in different tenses across multiple contexts:

1. Active Voice Examples in Simple Present Tense

In the simple present tense, active voice is used to describe regular actions, habits, or general truths.

Everyday Activities:

1. She walks to school every day.

2. He drinks coffee every morning.

3. They play soccer on weekends.

4. The dog barks at strangers.

5. I read books in my free time.

Academic Context:

1. The teacher explains the lesson clearly.

2. Students participate in class discussions.

3. She writes essays for her English class.

4. He studies for exams regularly.

5. The professor conducts research in biology.

Business Environment:

1. The manager reviews the reports every Monday.

2. She handles customer inquiries efficiently.

3. They prepare presentations for meetings.

4. He manages the team projects.

5. The company invests in new technologies.

Technical Context:

1. The engineer designs innovative solutions.

2. She tests the software for bugs.

3. He maintains the network systems.

4. They update the database regularly.

5. The technician repairs the equipment.

Creative Writing:

1. The artist paints beautiful landscapes.

2. She writes captivating stories.

3. He plays the piano wonderfully.

4. The actor performs on stage.

5. The poet composes meaningful poems.

2. Active Voice Examples in Present Continuous Tense

In the present continuous tense, active voice describes actions that are currently happening or ongoing.

Everyday Activities:

1. She is cooking dinner right now.

2. He is jogging in the park.

3. They are watching a movie together.

4. The baby is sleeping in the crib.

5. I am cleaning my room.

Academic Context:

1. The students are taking a test.

2. She is presenting her project to the class.

3. He is reading a textbook in the library.

4. They are discussing the assignment.

5. The teacher is grading papers.

Business Environment:

1. The team is working on a new project.

2. She is negotiating a contract with the client.

3. He is writing an email to a colleague.

4. They are attending a conference.

5. The manager is holding a meeting.

Technical Context:

1. The developer is debugging the code.

2. She is installing new software.

3. He is configuring the server.

4. They are testing the new application.

5. The engineer is calibrating the equipment.

Creative Writing:

1. The musician is composing a new song.

2. She is sketching a portrait.

3. He is filming a documentary.

4. They are rehearsing for the play.

5. The writer is drafting a new chapter.

Benefits of Using Active Voice

Writing in active voice offers several advantages that make your sentences more impactful and easier to understand. Here are the key benefits:

1. Clarity and Directness

Active voice allows your sentences to be direct and clear. It immediately tells the reader who is performing the action, which reduces confusion and ensures a smooth flow of information. For example, “John painted the picture” directly identifies who did the action.

2. Conciseness

In many cases, active voice can help you make your writing more concise. Active sentences usually contain fewer words than passive ones, which makes them more effective for professional writing and journalism, where brevity is essential.

3. Engagement

Active voice sentences are generally more engaging and dynamic. They create a sense of immediacy and action, making the writing more lively and interesting for the reader. This is especially important in creative writing, storytelling, and marketing content.

4. Authority and Responsibility

Active voice helps assign clear responsibility for actions. It makes your writing more authoritative, which is crucial in professional and business contexts. For example, “The team completed the project” assigns responsibility clearly, making it easier to attribute success or failure.

5. Improved Flow and Readability

Using active voice contributes to the natural flow of a sentence. It avoids the awkwardness that can sometimes arise from passive voice, where the focus shifts away from the action performer. The result is smoother, more readable text that readers can follow easily.

Active and Passive Voice in Scientific Writing

In scientific writing, both active and passive voice are commonly used. However, active voice is often preferred for clarity and directness, especially when focusing on the actions of the researcher or scientist.

Active Voice in Scientific Writing:

1. The researcher conducted the experiment.

2. The team discovered a new species.

3. The scientist analyzed the data.

Passive Voice in Scientific Writing:

1. The experiment was conducted by the researcher.

2. A new species was discovered by the team.

3. The data was analyzed by the scientist.

While passive voice can be appropriate for emphasizing the action or result rather than the doer, active voice tends to make the writing more straightforward and easier to follow.

When to Use Active Voice

Choosing when to use active voice depends on the context. Below are situations where active voice is particularly beneficial:

1. Clarity and Simplicity

Active voice is ideal for explanations, instructions, and situations where simplicity is key. It places the subject first, making it immediately clear who is responsible for the action.

2. Conciseness

Active voice often results in shorter, more efficient sentences, which is particularly useful in writing environments that require brevity, such as news articles, business reports, and technical manuals.

3. Engagement

When you need to keep your reader engaged, such as in storytelling, advertising, or persuasive writing, active voice makes your writing more energetic and engaging.

4. Authority and Responsibility

In business and professional communication, using active voice conveys authority and accountability. It is especially effective in reporting actions and decisions clearly.

Conclusion on active voice examples

Incorporating active voice examples into your writing enhances clarity, engagement, and authority. Whether you’re writing academic papers, business reports, creative stories, or everyday communications, active voice is the key to keeping your messages direct and easy to understand.

To make your writing more effective, practice identifying passive voice and converting it to active voice. This not only sharpens your writing skills but also ensures that your audience grasps your message quickly and clearly.