Active writing emphasizes the action that is taking place in a text. It involves using active verbs and sentence construction to convey a sense of movement and activity. In contrast, passive writing focuses on the object of the action and often uses passive verbs and sentence construction.
For example, consider the following sentences:
Passive: "The ball was thrown by the boy." Active: "The boy threw the ball."
In the passive sentence, the emphasis is on the ball, which is the object of the action. The subject (the boy) is relegated to a prepositional phrase at the end of the sentence. This can make the sentence feel sluggish and less engaging for the reader.
On the other hand, the active sentence puts the focus on the boy, the subject of the sentence, and emphasizes the action of throwing. This sentence is more direct and concise, making it more engaging for the reader.
Using active writing can help to make text more lively and engaging, as it puts the emphasis on the subject and the action that is taking place. It can also help to make the text more concise, as it avoids using unnecessary words like "by" or "was."
In addition to being more engaging and concise, active writing can also help to clarify the relationships between characters and objects in a text. In a passive sentence, it can be difficult to determine who or what is responsible for the action. By using active writing, the subject and the object of the action are clearly defined, making it easier for the reader to understand what is happening.
Overall, active writing is an important tool for writers to master in order to create more engaging and clear texts. By emphasizing the action and the subject of the sentence, writers can create more dynamic and engaging prose that is easy for readers to understand and enjoy.