Active vs Passive Voice In Your Writing Flashcards
Pop
verb
To be very noticeable
That bright pink color in her hair really pops!
Using this kind of language will make your writing pop.
Dull
adjective
Not interesting or exciting
We had to sit through a rather dull meeting this morning.
I don’t like eating there, the atmosphere is very dull.
Active voice
noun
A form of a verb where the subject is performing the action
You should try to rewrite this sentence in the active voice.
He prefers using the active voice in his emails.
Passive voice
noun
A form of a verb where the subject undergoes the action of the verb
Using the passive voice might make your writing seem weak.
This is a good example of how to use the passive voice.
“For starters”
phrase
Used to say that something is the first in a list of things
Well, for starters, I think we should renegotiate our contract.
For starters, let’s discuss the most important issue.
Clumsy
adjective
<strong>Awkward / without skill</strong>
He seems to make a lot of clumsy mistakes.
I think that email was his clumsy way of apologizing.
Drag
verb
Something goes slowly because it is boring
The second part of his speech really dragged.
Using the passive voice might make your writing drag.
Snappy
adjective
Stylish / getting people’s attention
They created a snappy new media campaign.
This a very snappy design!
Toss
verb
To throw
He tossed the ball into the air.
Please toss this in the garbage for me on your way out.
Authoritative tone
adjective - noun
To speak / write in a way that gives an impression of power & authority
Trump is known for always speaking in a very authoritative tone.
Her authoritative tone during the meeting helped a lot.
Pep
noun
Energy
Yesterday morning I felt full of pep and enthusiasm.
Good weather always adds some pep to my mood.