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Active Writing vs Passive: A Comprehensive Guide
Author: Dr. Emily Carter, PhD, Professor of English and Technical Writing, University of California, Berkeley. Dr. Carter has over 20 years of experience teaching and researching writing styles, with a focus on clarity and effective communication.
Publisher: Scholarly Publishing House, a leading publisher of academic and professional resources specializing in linguistics, communication, and writing pedagogy.
Editor: Sarah Miller, MA, experienced editor with 15 years of experience in publishing academic and professional texts, specializing in grammar and style.
Keywords: active writing vs passive, active voice, passive voice, writing style, grammar, clarity, conciseness, effective communication, writing tips, writing guide
Summary: This guide explores the crucial difference between active and passive writing. It delves into the strengths and weaknesses of each voice, providing clear examples and practical exercises to help writers master the art of active writing. The guide also addresses common pitfalls of passive voice and offers strategies for effective transition between active and passive constructions where appropriate.
Introduction: Understanding Active Writing vs Passive
The choice between active and passive voice significantly impacts the clarity, conciseness, and overall effectiveness of your writing. While both have their place, understanding the nuances of active writing vs passive is crucial for any writer aiming for strong and impactful communication. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of both, helping you choose the most appropriate voice for your context.
What is Active Voice?
In active voice, the subject of the sentence performs the action. The structure is typically: Subject + Verb + Object.
Example: The dog chased the ball. (Subject: dog; Verb: chased; Object: ball)
Active voice is generally preferred because it:
Is more direct and concise: It gets straight to the point, avoiding unnecessary words.
Is clearer and easier to understand: The reader immediately grasps who is performing the action.
Is more engaging and dynamic: It creates a more vivid and impactful impression.
Reduces ambiguity: There's less room for misinterpretation.
What is Passive Voice?
In passive voice, the subject receives the action. The structure is typically: Object + be verb + past participle + by + Subject (often omitted).
Example: The ball was chased by the dog. (Object: ball; be verb: was; past participle: chased; Subject: dog)
While passive voice isn't inherently "bad," overuse can lead to:
Weak and wordy sentences: Passive constructions often require more words to convey the same information.
Lack of clarity and precision: The actor performing the action may be unclear or omitted entirely.
A less engaging and indirect tone: Passive voice can make your writing seem distant and less impactful.
Increased ambiguity: The reader might struggle to identify the subject performing the action.
Active Writing vs Passive: When to Use Passive Voice
Despite its drawbacks, passive voice does have legitimate uses:
When the actor is unknown or unimportant: "The window was broken." (We don't know who broke it.)
When emphasizing the action rather than the actor: "The experiment was conducted meticulously." (Focus is on the experiment's thoroughness.)
To maintain objectivity: In scientific writing, passive voice can help avoid bias.
To create a more formal tone: Passive voice is often used in academic or professional writing.
Best Practices for Active Writing
Identify the subject and verb: Clearly determine who or what is performing the action.
Focus on strong verbs: Use vivid and precise verbs to convey action effectively.
Eliminate unnecessary phrases: Cut out words that don't contribute to the meaning.
Read your work aloud: This helps identify awkward or unclear sentences.
Revise and edit: Carefully review your writing to identify and correct instances of passive voice.
Common Pitfalls of Passive Writing
Overuse of "to be" verbs: Watch out for forms of "to be" (is, are, was, were, be, been, being), which are often indicative of passive constructions.
Vague or missing subjects: Ensure every sentence has a clear subject performing the action.
Wordiness: Passive sentences tend to be longer and more complex than active sentences.
Lack of impact: Passive voice can weaken the overall impact of your writing.
Active Writing vs Passive: Exercises
(Include several exercises here that challenge the reader to rewrite passive sentences into active ones and vice-versa, demonstrating the practical application of the concepts discussed.)
Transitioning from Passive to Active: A Step-by-Step Guide
(Provide a detailed, step-by-step guide on how to effectively identify and convert passive sentences into their active counterparts.)
Conclusion
Mastering the art of active writing vs passive is essential for clear, concise, and engaging communication. While passive voice has its uses, favoring active voice generally leads to stronger, more impactful writing. By understanding the principles outlined in this guide and practicing the suggested exercises, you can significantly improve the clarity and effectiveness of your writing.
FAQs
1. Is passive voice always bad? No, passive voice has its place, particularly when the actor is unknown or unimportant, or when emphasis is on the action.
2. How can I identify passive voice in my writing? Look for sentences with forms of "to be" verbs followed by a past participle.
3. What are some common indicators of passive voice? Phrases like "by," "was," "were," "is," "are," "being," and "been" often signal passive constructions.
4. Can I mix active and passive voice in my writing? Yes, but aim for a balance. Overuse of passive voice can hinder clarity.
5. How can I make my writing more active and engaging? Focus on strong verbs, clear subjects, and concise phrasing.
6. Is active voice always preferred in academic writing? While active voice is generally preferred for clarity, passive voice can be appropriate in certain contexts, such as when maintaining objectivity is crucial.
7. What are the benefits of using active voice in business writing? Active voice enhances clarity, conciseness, and persuasiveness, crucial elements in professional communication.
8. How does active voice impact the readability of my writing? Active voice generally enhances readability by making sentences easier to understand and follow.
9. Are there any tools that can help me identify passive voice in my writing? Yes, several grammar checkers and writing tools can highlight passive voice constructions.
Related Articles
1. The Power of Strong Verbs in Active Writing: Explores the importance of verb choice in creating impactful active sentences.
2. Conciseness and Clarity: The Hallmarks of Effective Writing: Discusses the relationship between active voice, conciseness, and clear communication.
3. Active vs. Passive Voice in Scientific Writing: Examines the appropriate use of active and passive voice in scientific publications.
4. Beyond Grammar: The Rhetorical Impact of Active and Passive Voice: Explores the stylistic and persuasive implications of voice choice.
5. Active Voice in Business Communication: A Practical Guide: Offers specific advice for using active voice in emails, reports, and presentations.
6. Overcoming Common Writing Errors: Mastering Active and Passive Voice: Focuses on identifying and correcting common mistakes related to voice.
7. The Art of Sentence Structure: Crafting Clear and Concise Sentences: Covers broader sentence structure principles that support effective active voice.
8. Improving Your Writing Style: A Focus on Active Voice and Clarity: Provides a broader perspective on writing improvement, with a strong emphasis on active voice.
9. Grammar and Style: A Comprehensive Guide to Effective Writing: A more general resource covering grammar and style, including a detailed section on active and passive voice.
| active writing vs passive: The Grammar Devotional Mignon Fogarty, 2009-10-27 Millions of fans around the globe punctuate properly and communicate clearly thanks to Mignon Fogarty's practical and easy-to-remember advice about writing style and word usage. Her first book, Grammar Girl's Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing, hit the New York Times bestseller list, and her weekly grammar podcast has been downloaded more than 100 million times and hailed by USA Today as authoritative but warm. Now, in tip-of-the-day form, Grammar Girl serves up 365 lessons on language that are sure to inspire. Filled with new, bite-size writing tips, fun quizzes and puzzles, and efficient memory tricks, The Grammar Devotional gives you a daily dose of knowledge to improve your writing and also serves as a lasting reference you'll use for years to come. |
| active writing vs passive: Tenses and Active passive Voice Ramandeep Kaur, 2018-05-18 Tenses and Active Passive Voice are the basic building blocks of learning the English language and this book will provide you everything regarding these in the extremely easy way.I have merged two books into a single book to provide a more effective way of learning.With the help of this book, anybody can learn the English language rules easily. Specially made for beginners. |
| active writing vs passive: Interchange of Active and Passive Voice: Patterns and Examples Manik Joshi, 2014-10-25 This Book Covers The Following Topics: Active and Passive Voice Interchange of Active and Passive Voice 1. First or Second Form of Verb 2. Auxiliary Verb ‘Be’ + -ING Form of Verb 3. Have/Has/Had + Past Participle 4. Present/Future Modals + Verb Word 5. Past Modals + Past Participle 6. Verb + Preposition 7. Main Verb + Object + Complement 8. Main Verb + Object + Object 9. Have/Has/Had + Infinitive (To + Verb) 10. Auxiliary Verb ‘Be’ + Infinitive (To + Verb) 11. Verb + Object + Infinitive (Without ‘To’) 12. There + Verb ‘Be’ + Noun + Infinitive 13. Interrogative Sentences 14. Imperative Sentences 15. Principal Clause + That + Noun Clause (Object) 16. Verb followed by --ING form or an Infinitive 17. Use of Prepositions 18. The Passive With GET 19. Middle Voice Exercise -- 01 Exercise -- 02 Exercise -- 03 Sample This: VOICE - Definition Voice refers to the form of a verb that shows whether the subject of a sentence performs the action or is affected by it. ACTIVE VOICE - Definition The form of a verb in which the subject is the person or thing that performs the action. Example: They finished the work. [subject -- “they”, verb -- “finished”, object -- “work”] In this sentence, the subject (they) acts on the object (work). Other Examples: The teacher praises him. She posted the letter. I buy new books. We will celebrate his birthday. PASSIVE VOICE - Definition The form of a verb in which the subject is affected by the action of the verb. Important Note -- The object of the active voice becomes the subject in the passive voice. Example: The work was finished by them. [subject -- “work”, passive verb -- “was finished”, object -- “them”] In this example, the subject (work) is not the doer; it is being acted upon by the doer ‘them’) Other Examples: He is praised by the teacher. The letter was posted by her New books are bought by me. His birthday will be celebrated by us. WHEN TO USE PASSIVE VOICE (1). You should use passive voice when you do not know the active subject. (2). When you want to make the active object more important. (3). When the active subject is obvious. (4). When you want to emphasize the action of the sentence rather than the doer of the action. (5). Passive voice is frequently used to describe scientific or mechanical processes (6). Passive voice is often used in news reports: (7). When active voice does not sound good. (8). When you want to make more polite or formal statements. (9). You can use passive voice to avoid responsibility. (10). You can also use passive voice for sentence variety in your writing. (11). You can also use passive voice when you want to avoid extra-long subjects. Changing Active Voice Into Passive Voice Rule 1: Move the object of the active voice into the position of the subject (front of the sentence) in the passive voice. And move the subject of the active voice into the position of the object in the passive voice. Rule 2: Passive voice needs a helping verb to express the action. Put the helping verb in the same tense as the original active sentence. The main verb of the active voice is always changed into a past participle (third form of the verb) in different ways. Rule 3: Place the active sentence's subject into a phrase beginning with the preposition ‘by’. Rule 4: If the object in an active voice sentence is a pronoun (me, us, you, him, her, they, it), it changes in a passive voice sentence as follows: me -- I; us -- we; you -- you; him -- he; her -- she; them -- they; it – it Rule 5: Subject- Verb Agreement Make the first verb agree with the new subject in a passive voice. Rule 6: When there are two objects (direct object and indirect object), only one object is interchanged. The second object remains unchanged. The following Tenses Cannot Be Changed Into Passive Voice: 1. Present Perfect Continuous Tense 2. Past Perfect Continuous Tense 3. Future Continuous Tense 4. Future Perfect Continuous Tense |
| active writing vs passive: The Sense of Structure George D. Gopen, 2004 This composition guide for students teaches writing from the perspective of readers. Rather than laying out grammatical rules, the text focuses on how readers make decisions concerning what a given sentence or paragraph means. This approach is intended to help students realize what they already intu. |
| active writing vs passive: Medical Writing Neville W. Goodman, Martin B. Edwards, 2006-10-26 Effective communication is the ultimate, but often daunting, purpose of any piece of medical research. Medical Writing: A Prescription for Clarity provides practical information enabling first drafts to be turned into clear, simple, unambiguous text, without loss of individuality. Written by a medical consultant and an experienced medical editor, it is sympathetic to the problems and needs of medical writers. Like the preceding two editions, this expanded third edition deals with the basic craft of writing for publication, from spelling and grammar to choosing the best word or phrase. Whether writing a simple clinical report or thesis, wanting to supervise others, or wanting just to develop greater skill in effective writing, this book is the ideal guide and reference. Clear, simple and precise, and illustrated with apt cartoons, this is an invaluable handbook. |
| active writing vs passive: Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary Kate Woodford, Guy Jackson, 2003 The Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary is the ideal dictionary for advanced EFL/ESL learners. Easy to use and with a great CD-ROM - the perfect learner's dictionary for exam success. First published as the Cambridge International Dictionary of English, this new edition has been completely updated and redesigned. - References to over 170,000 words, phrases and examples explained in clear and natural English - All the important new words that have come into the language (e.g. dirty bomb, lairy, 9/11, clickable) - Over 200 'Common Learner Error' notes, based on the Cambridge Learner Corpus from Cambridge ESOL exams Plus, on the CD-ROM: - SMART thesaurus - lets you find all the words with the same meaning - QUICKfind - automatically looks up words while you are working on-screen - SUPERwrite - tools for advanced writing, giving help with grammar and collocation - Hear and practise all the words. |
| active writing vs passive: The Sense of Style Steven Pinker, 2014-09-30 “Charming and erudite, from the author of Rationality and Enlightenment Now, The wit and insight and clarity he brings . . . is what makes this book such a gem.” —Time.com Why is so much writing so bad, and how can we make it better? Is the English language being corrupted by texting and social media? Do the kids today even care about good writing—and why should we care? From the author of The Better Angels of Our Nature and Enlightenment Now. In this entertaining and eminently practical book, the cognitive scientist, dictionary consultant, and New York Times–bestselling author Steven Pinker rethinks the usage guide for the twenty-first century. Using examples of great and gruesome modern prose while avoiding the scolding tone and Spartan tastes of the classic manuals, he shows how the art of writing can be a form of pleasurable mastery and a fascinating intellectual topic in its own right. The Sense of Style is for writers of all kinds, and for readers who are interested in letters and literature and are curious about the ways in which the sciences of mind can illuminate how language works at its best. |
| active writing vs passive: This New Mountain A. J. Jackson, Cate Macabe, 2012 Like most private investigators AJ Jackson has more than one foot in the fire to make ends meet - driving a tow truck and serving legal documents for local law firms. But not every PI is a mother of four, a grandmother of ten, an ex-gun dealer and former mental patient, or a descendant of a great Choctaw chief. This is a memoir of Vinnie Ann AJ Jackson, a country girl with a go-to-hell attitude who must face her fears in order to keep her sanity and make a future for herself. |
| active writing vs passive: Politics and the English Language George Orwell, 2021-01-01 George Orwell set out ‘to make political writing into an art’, and to a wide extent this aim shaped the future of English literature – his descriptions of authoritarian regimes helped to form a new vocabulary that is fundamental to understanding totalitarianism. While 1984 and Animal Farm are amongst the most popular classic novels in the English language, this new series of Orwell’s essays seeks to bring a wider selection of his writing on politics and literature to a new readership. In Politics and the English Language, the second in the Orwell’s Essays series, Orwell takes aim at the language used in politics, which, he says, ‘is designed to make lies sound truthful and murder respectable, and to give an appearance of solidity to pure wind’. In an age where the language used in politics is constantly under the microscope, Orwell’s Politics and the English Language is just as relevant today, and gives the reader a vital understanding of the tactics at play. 'A writer who can – and must – be rediscovered with every age.' — Irish Times |
| active writing vs passive: Treffpunkt Deutsch E. Rosemarie Widmaier, Fritz T. Widmaier, Margaret Gonglewski, 2008-06-10 |
| active writing vs passive: Ask a Manager Alison Green, 2018-05-01 From the creator of the popular website Ask a Manager and New York’s work-advice columnist comes a witty, practical guide to 200 difficult professional conversations—featuring all-new advice! There’s a reason Alison Green has been called “the Dear Abby of the work world.” Ten years as a workplace-advice columnist have taught her that people avoid awkward conversations in the office because they simply don’t know what to say. Thankfully, Green does—and in this incredibly helpful book, she tackles the tough discussions you may need to have during your career. You’ll learn what to say when • coworkers push their work on you—then take credit for it • you accidentally trash-talk someone in an email then hit “reply all” • you’re being micromanaged—or not being managed at all • you catch a colleague in a lie • your boss seems unhappy with your work • your cubemate’s loud speakerphone is making you homicidal • you got drunk at the holiday party Praise for Ask a Manager “A must-read for anyone who works . . . [Alison Green’s] advice boils down to the idea that you should be professional (even when others are not) and that communicating in a straightforward manner with candor and kindness will get you far, no matter where you work.”—Booklist (starred review) “The author’s friendly, warm, no-nonsense writing is a pleasure to read, and her advice can be widely applied to relationships in all areas of readers’ lives. Ideal for anyone new to the job market or new to management, or anyone hoping to improve their work experience.”—Library Journal (starred review) “I am a huge fan of Alison Green’s Ask a Manager column. This book is even better. It teaches us how to deal with many of the most vexing big and little problems in our workplaces—and to do so with grace, confidence, and a sense of humor.”—Robert Sutton, Stanford professor and author of The No Asshole Rule and The Asshole Survival Guide “Ask a Manager is the ultimate playbook for navigating the traditional workforce in a diplomatic but firm way.”—Erin Lowry, author of Broke Millennial: Stop Scraping By and Get Your Financial Life Together |
| active writing vs passive: Sin and Syntax Constance Hale, 2013-08-13 A fully revised and updated edition with writing prompts and challenges in every chapter Today’s writers need more spunk than Strunk: whether it's the Great American e-mail, Madison Avenue advertising, or Grammy Award-winning rap lyrics, memorable writing must jump off the page. Copy veteran Constance Hale is on a mission to make creative communication, both the lyrical and the unlawful, an option for everyone. With its crisp, witty tone, Sin and Syntax covers grammar’s ground rules while revealing countless unconventional syntax secrets (such as how to use—Gasp!—interjections or when to pepper your prose with slang) that make for sinfully good writing. Discover how to: *Distinguish between words that are “pearls” and words that are “potatoes” * Avoid “couch potato thinking” and “commitment phobia” when choosing verbs * Use literary devices such as onomatopoeia, alliteration, and metaphor (and understand what you're doing) Everyone needs to know how to write stylish prose—students, professionals, and seasoned writers alike. Whether you’re writing to sell, shock, or just sing, Sin and Syntax—now celebrating 20 years in print—is the guide you need to improve your command of the English language. |
| active writing vs passive: Why Are All the Black Kids Sitting Together in the Cafeteria? Beverly Daniel Tatum, 2017-09-05 The classic, New York Times-bestselling book on the psychology of racism that shows us how to talk about race in America. Walk into any racially mixed high school and you will see Black, White, and Latino youth clustered in their own groups. Is this self-segregation a problem to address or a coping strategy? How can we get past our reluctance to discuss racial issues? Beverly Daniel Tatum, a renowned authority on the psychology of racism, argues that straight talk about our racial identities is essential if we are serious about communicating across racial and ethnic divides and pursuing antiracism. These topics have only become more urgent as the national conversation about race is increasingly acrimonious. This fully revised edition is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand dynamics of race and racial inequality in America. |
| active writing vs passive: Grammar Girl's Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing Mignon Fogarty, 2008-07-08 Online sensation Grammar Girl makes grammar fun and easy in this New York Times bestseller Are you stumped by split infinitives? Terrified of using who when a whom is called for? Do you avoid the words affect and effect altogether? Grammar Girl is here to help! Mignon Fogarty, a.k.a. Grammar Girl, is determined to wipe out bad grammar—but she's also determined to make the process as painless as possible. A couple of years ago, she created a weekly podcast to tackle some of the most common mistakes people make while communicating. The podcasts have now been downloaded more than twenty million times, and Mignon has dispensed grammar tips on Oprah and appeared on the pages of The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and USA Today. Written with the wit, warmth, and accessibility that the podcasts are known for, Grammar Girl's Quick and Dirty Tips for Better Writing covers the grammar rules and word-choice guidelines that can confound even the best writers. From between vs. among and although vs. while to comma splices and misplaced modifiers, Mignon offers memory tricks and clear explanations that will help readers recall and apply those troublesome grammar rules. Chock-full of tips on style, business writing, and effective e-mailing, Grammar Girl's print debut deserves a spot on every communicator's desk. |
| active writing vs passive: The Origins of World War I, 1871-1914 Joachim Remak, 1967 |
| active writing vs passive: The Elysian Prophecy Vivien Reis, 2018-02-20 An enchanted island. An evil resurrected. A society determined to gain power. When a violent attack leaves their father in the hospital, Abigail and Benjamin Cole discover there's more to their family history than mental illness. But after fifteen-year-old Abi is abducted, she learns the attack wasn't random. Thrust into an exotic and beautiful world part of a multi-millennial feud, she must decide who to trust in a society built on secrets. Questioning everything she's ever known, she enlists the help of a boy connected to her in impossible ways and uncovers a dangerous secret stretching generations. Seventeen-year-old Ben desperately searches for both his sister and his mother, but his hold on reality is fading. Something dark has latched onto him. In a race against his own failing mind, where violent hallucinations and paranoia force him to believe he's next in line for the family curse, he learns he's the only one that can save his family. When darkness is coming, who do you trust? Magic. Deceit. War. Perfect for fans of Libba Bray, Cassandra Clare, and Leigh Bardugo. |
| active writing vs passive: One Sister's Song Karen DeGroot Carter, 2002 This is the story of Audrey Conarroe, a biracial woman, who had never planned to move back to her small, predominantly white, hometown in Western New York. But when she was named guardian to her young nephew, Julian, she had no choice but to do just that. Eight months later, Audrey prepares to sell her sister's old farmhouse in hopes of moving on to a better life for herself and Julian-when a series of discoveries about her nephew's father, her own parents, a high-school sweetheart, and her sister's beloved home force Audrey to rethink everything she's ever assumed about love, race, and respect. |
| active writing vs passive: Vex, Hex, Smash, Smooch: Let Verbs Power Your Writing Constance Hale, 2012-10-15 Helps aspiring writers understand the importance of using powerful verbs in their work through examples of brilliant writing and presents a linguistic history to demonstrate how language and writing has evolved over time. |
| active writing vs passive: The Copyeditor's Handbook Amy Einsohn, 2005-12-07 The Copyeditor's Handbook is a lively, practical manual for newcomers to publishing and for experienced editors who want to fine-tune their skills or broaden their understanding of the craft. Addressed to copyeditors in book publishing and corporate communications, this thoughtful handbook explains what copyeditors do, what they look for when they edit a manuscript, and how they develop the editorial judgment needed to make sound decisions. This revised edition reflects the most recent editions of The Chicago Manual of Style (15th ed.), the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (5th ed.), and Merriam-Webster's Collegiate Dictionary (11th ed.). |
| active writing vs passive: The Elements of Style William Strunk, 2012-04-04 This is the book that generations of writers have relied upon for timeless advice on grammar, diction, syntax, and other essentials. In concise terms, it identifies the principal requirements of proper style and common errors. |
| active writing vs passive: Revising Prose Richard A. Lanham, 1979 Lanham's eight simple steps to clearer, more understandable writing will win you praise from bosses, colleagues, and clients. Voice; Business Prose; Professional Prose; Electronic Prose; General Interest; improving your writing. |
| active writing vs passive: The Scientist's Guide to Writing Stephen B. Heard, 2016-04-12 A concise and accessible primer on the scientific writer's craft The ability to write clearly is critical to any scientific career. The Scientist's Guide to Writing provides practical advice to help scientists become more effective writers so that their ideas have the greatest possible impact. Drawing on his own experience as a scientist, graduate adviser, and editor, Stephen Heard emphasizes that the goal of all scientific writing should be absolute clarity; that good writing takes deliberate practice; and that what many scientists need are not long lists of prescriptive rules but rather direct engagement with their behaviors and attitudes when they write. He combines advice on such topics as how to generate and maintain writing momentum with practical tips on structuring a scientific paper, revising a first draft, handling citations, responding to peer reviews, managing coauthorships, and more. In an accessible, informal tone, The Scientist's Guide to Writing explains essential techniques that students, postdoctoral researchers, and early-career scientists need to write more clearly, efficiently, and easily. Emphasizes writing as a process, not just a product Encourages habits that improve motivation and productivity Explains the structure of the scientific paper and the function of each part Provides detailed guidance on submission, review, revision, and publication Addresses issues related to coauthorship, English as a second language, and more |
| active writing vs passive: Will Write for Food Dianne Jacob, 2015-07-14 The go-to soup-to-nuts guide on how to really make money from food writing, both in print and online With recipe-driven blogs, cookbooks, reviews, and endless foodie websites, food writing is ever in demand. In this award-winning guide, noted journalist and writing instructor Dianne Jacob offers tips and strategies for getting published and other ways to turn your passion into cash, whether it's in print or online. With insider secrets and helpful advice from award-winning writers, agents, and editors, Will Write for Food is still the essential guide to go from starving artist to well-fed writer. |
| active writing vs passive: Writing About Your Life William Zinsser, 2005-03-28 Written with elegance, warmth, and humor, this highly original teaching memoir by William Zinsser—renowned bestselling author of On Writing Well gives you the tools to organize and recover your past, and the confidence to believe in your life narrative. His method is to take you on a memoir of his own: 13 chapters in which he recalls dramatic, amusing, and often surprising moments in his long and varied life as a writer, editor, teacher, and traveler. Along the way, Zinsser pauses to explain the technical decisions he made as he wrote about his life. They are the same decisions you'll have to make as you write about your own life: matters of selection, condensation, focus, attitude, voice, and tone. |
| active writing vs passive: Understanding Show, Don't Tell: And Really Getting It Janice Hardy, 2016-10 This book looks at what affects told prose and when telling is the right thing to do. It also explores aspects of writing that aren't technically telling, but are connected to told prose and can make prose feel told, such as infodumps, description, and backstory. |
| active writing vs passive: The Scribe Method Tucker Max, Zach Obront, 2021-04-15 Ready to write your book? So why haven’t you done it yet? If you’re like most nonfiction authors, fears are holding you back. Sound familiar? Is my idea good enough? How do I structure a book? What exactly are the steps to write it? How do I stay motivated? What if I actually finish it, and it’s bad? Worst of all: what if I publish it, and no one cares? How do I know if I’m even doing the right things? The truth is, writing a book can be scary and overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to be. There’s a way to know you’re on the right path and taking the right steps. How? By using a method that’s been validated with thousands of other Authors just like you. In fact, it’s the same exact process used to produce dozens of big bestsellers–including David Goggins’s Can’t Hurt Me, Tiffany Haddish’s The Last Black Unicorn, and Joey Coleman’s Never Lose a Customer Again. The Scribe Method is the tested and proven process that will help you navigate the entire book-writing process from start to finish–the right way. Written by 4x New York Times Bestselling Author Tucker Max and publishing expert Zach Obront, you’ll learn the step-by-step method that has helped over 1,500 authors write and publish their books. Now a Wall Street Journal Bestseller itself, The Scribe Method is specifically designed for business leaders, personal development gurus, entrepreneurs, and any expert in their field who has accumulated years of hard-won knowledge and wants to put it out into the world. Forget the rest of the books written by pretenders. This is the ultimate resource for anyone who wants to professionally write a great nonfiction book. |
| active writing vs passive: Nitty-Gritty Grammar Edith Hope Fine, Judith Pinkerton Josephson, 2011-02-02 An easy-to-follow guide for all of your grammar needs. With clear text, appealing cartoons, and a focus on common grammatical errors and how to correct them, this little volume is a real gem that should find a permanent place with companies, universities, and anyone seeking a user-friendly guide to style and usage. |
| active writing vs passive: Transforming the Workforce for Children Birth Through Age 8 National Research Council, Institute of Medicine, Board on Children, Youth, and Families, Committee on the Science of Children Birth to Age 8: Deepening and Broadening the Foundation for Success, 2015-07-23 Children are already learning at birth, and they develop and learn at a rapid pace in their early years. This provides a critical foundation for lifelong progress, and the adults who provide for the care and the education of young children bear a great responsibility for their health, development, and learning. Despite the fact that they share the same objective - to nurture young children and secure their future success - the various practitioners who contribute to the care and the education of children from birth through age 8 are not acknowledged as a workforce unified by the common knowledge and competencies needed to do their jobs well. Transforming the Workforce for Children Birth Through Age 8 explores the science of child development, particularly looking at implications for the professionals who work with children. This report examines the current capacities and practices of the workforce, the settings in which they work, the policies and infrastructure that set qualifications and provide professional learning, and the government agencies and other funders who support and oversee these systems. This book then makes recommendations to improve the quality of professional practice and the practice environment for care and education professionals. These detailed recommendations create a blueprint for action that builds on a unifying foundation of child development and early learning, shared knowledge and competencies for care and education professionals, and principles for effective professional learning. Young children thrive and learn best when they have secure, positive relationships with adults who are knowledgeable about how to support their development and learning and are responsive to their individual progress. Transforming the Workforce for Children Birth Through Age 8 offers guidance on system changes to improve the quality of professional practice, specific actions to improve professional learning systems and workforce development, and research to continue to build the knowledge base in ways that will directly advance and inform future actions. The recommendations of this book provide an opportunity to improve the quality of the care and the education that children receive, and ultimately improve outcomes for children. |
| active writing vs passive: Style Joseph M. Williams, Gregory G. Colomb, 1995 This acclaimed book is a master teacher's tested program for turning clumsy prose into clear, powerful, and effective writing. A logical, expert, easy-to-use plan for achieving excellence in expression, Style offers neither simplistic rules nor endless lists of dos and don'ts. Rather, Joseph Williams explains how to be concise, how to be focused, how to be organized. Filled with realistic examples of good, bad, and better writing, and step-by-step strategies for crafting a sentence or organizing a paragraph, Style does much more than teach mechanics: it helps anyone who must write clearly and persuasively transform even the roughest of drafts into a polished work of clarity, coherence, impact, and personality. |
| active writing vs passive: Insects: a Very Short Introduction Simon R. Leather, 2022-03-03 Insects are a fascinatingly diverse and beautiful group of animals. They are found on all continents, in caves, underground, inside other insects, in rivers, lakes, puddles, and in our houses. To date, over a million insect species have been named. In this Very Short Introduction, Simon Leather explores insects' evolution, behaviour, and development, highlighting their pivotal role in supporting ecosystems across the planet. He considers the threats of environmental change, including climate change, to insects globally and the potentially catastrophic impact of insect population declines. |
| active writing vs passive: Style Joseph Bizup, Joseph M.. Williams, 2013-11-01 Engaging and direct, Style: Lessons in Clarity and Grace is the guidebook for anyone who wants to write well. Williams' and Bizup's clear, accessible style models the kind of writing that audiences-both in college and after-will admire. The principles offered here help writers understand what readers expect and encourage writers to revise to meet those expectations more effectively. This book is all you need to understand the principles of effective writing. |
| active writing vs passive: Sweet Potato Jones Jen Lowry, 2020-08-18 Most teens daydream about things they don't have and places they've never been. But seventeen-year-old Sweet Potato Jones doesn't have the luxury of such indulgences. For the past ten years, she's been focused on raising her three younger siblings. Sweet Potato never wanted anything for herself. Just a roof over their heads, someplace safe to live, food, and clothing. She never dared dream of anything more. The family finally catches a break when they meet Mrs. Sunshine Patterson, the Bible-quoting, gospel-singing owner of the Soul Food Restaurant. But Sweet Potato has never accepted charity from anyone, and she isn't about to start now. And that sweet, Southern boy making eyes at her? He can keep that, even if he is Mrs. Sunshine's son. Family, faith, and loyalty will be tested in this spirited contemporary Young Adult fiction title from Jen Lowry. |
| active writing vs passive: ENGLISH WITH NIMISHA BANSAL NIMISHA BANSAL, 2019-09-11 This book is published by invincible publishers and we are proud to inform you that this is an Indian title. The author of the book is also Indian. |
| active writing vs passive: When Lawyers Write Richard H. Weisberg, 1987 Designed with the realities of modern legal practice in mind, WHEN LAWYERS WRITE can be used for specific help on a particular problem or for general guidance to refresh or refine legal writing skills. Weisberg stresses the crucial element of audience awareness throughout, and offers proven techniques to reinforce good writing habits, showing you how to: Convey pertinent information at the outset Apportion research and writing Assume a fully attentive reader Keep the subject in mind Make verbs active Choose the appropriate degrees of directness, informality, and simplicity Tailor our tone To The case at hand Know when to use jargon Avoid unplanned shocks To The reader and open a coherent path through sentences and paragraphs. General correspondence, memoranda, contracts, conveyances, wills, briefs, and other forms of legal writing are covered in depth. All the common writing difficulties lawyers face are examined in detail -- with practical suggestions for overcoming them. |
| active writing vs passive: The Critical Reader Erica L. Meltzer, 2015 Intended to clearly and systematically demystify what is often considered the most challenging section of the SAT, The Critical Reader, 2nd Edition, provides a comprehensive review of the reading skills tested on the redesigned exam for students who are serious about raising their scores. Includes: -A chapter-by-chapter breakdown of question types, with in-depth explanations and numerous examples demonstrating how to work through each type. -Techniques for comprehending complex passages and identifying key information quickly and efficiently. -Extensive strategies for simplifying and answering paired supporting evidence questions as well as informational graphic questions. -A list of alternate definitions of common words, plus strategies for using context clues to decipher the meaning of unfamiliar vocabulary. To allow students to apply the strategies outlined in this book to College Board material while focusing on the specific areas in which they are seeking to improve, this book also includes a list of all the Reading questions from the Khan Academy exams/College Board Official Guide, 3rd Edition (2015), arranged both by category and by test. Note: If you are preparing for the AP English Language and Composition exam, a separate AP Edition is now available in beta form (multiple-choice reading only) at https://www.createspace.com/7045612. |
| active writing vs passive: The Elysian Chronicles Michelle B. Weston, 2014 Guardian Angel Warfare! The prophecy Davian's people had forgotten has been fulfilled; Elysia is now slave to a tyrant. His mercenaries, the dreaded Black Guard, kill at will, casting a shadow of terror wherever they tread. Elysia's enemies, the mornachts, have overrun Earth, and the human child prophesied to rid evil from both worlds may not survive their attacks-or impending world war. Elysia's only hope for freedom lies in Davian. Once a decorated officer, Davian now roams Elysia's outskirts as an escaped fugitive. Armed with only a stolen sword, he and three loyal soldiers vow to somehow return to Elysia through a wilderness full of mornachts, Black Guard, and a nameless evil that slithers in the darkness, watching Davian's every move. For Davian to succeed, he must gather an army and somehow convince the neutral races of dragons, unicorns, and gnomes to help him along the way. The closer Davian gets to Elysia, the more one thought haunts him: To free his countrymen, he must betray his country. |
| active writing vs passive: How to Wash a Chicken Tim Calkins, 2018-09-25 Winner of the Foreword INDIES Book of the Year Award for Business and Economics Winner of the IndieReader Discovery Award for Top Business Book Winner of the Eric Hoffer Award Clear, practical, thorough and right on the mark. It's a must-read for people who are new to giving presentations as well as experienced presenters who want to get even better. This book belongs on everyone's bookshelf. Jim Lecinski Associate Professor of Marketing, Northwestern University; former Vice-President of US Sales and Service, Google, Inc. How to Wash a Chicken is not a book about public speaking (or chickens), it's a comprehensive playbook for business leaders and people on their way up to give the best presentations of their lives, and embark on a circle of presentation success. All too often, the best intentions and most innovative ideas get lost in a poorly executed presentation. Author Tim Calkins understands the power of a compelling presentation and the difficulty in accomplishing one. The brand strategist, professor and author has been giving presentations since he was eight, when he delivered his first official presentation with an uncooperative chicken at a 4-H competition. From business updates to project recommendations to marketing plans, Calkins has given more than five thousand presentations to date. With concrete suggestions, helpful tricks, and step-by-step guidance that's applicable to all industries, Calkins sets out to propel his readers to create and deliver effective business presentations and pitches. When all lessons from How to Wash a Chicken are applied, readers will be empowered throughout the preparation and presentation process. They will be able to present with more confidence and conviction than they ever had before, setting them on a path of professional growth. |
| active writing vs passive: When Magic Calls Caitlin Berve, 2020-04 Once upon a time a jealous girl stole a magical artifact from a museum to eliminate her competition. In the Rocky Mountains, a man studies a woman raised by wolves, but soon watching won't be enough. Tonight, you might find yourself in a fairy tale of your own. Will you answer magic's call? |
| active writing vs passive: College Success Amy Baldwin, 2020-03 |
| active writing vs passive: Style Joseph M. Williams, 2009 Covers the elemental principles of writing that empower you to write as a way to explore your thinking. This book presents a problem-solution structure to show you what most guides only tell you. The principles are offered not as hard-and-fast rules, but as commonsense approaches to help you diagnose your own prose quickly and revise it effectively. Williams' book engages you in a conversation on writing and teaches you techniques that can help you write clearly--with grace and style.--from publisher's description. |
How do I forcefully change the active signal resolution?
Nov 19, 2019 · I understand that you want to change the active signal resolution for the monitor that you are using. I would suggest you to refer the troubleshooting steps mentioned below …
how to highlight an active row so that I can see it clearly and not ...
Feb 6, 2025 · It highlights the row and column of whatever your current active cell is. On the View ribbon select Focus Cell in the Show section to activate it. Reply if you have additional …
External monitors detected but not active, how can I fix this?
Mar 23, 2023 · In the normal Display settings it simply shows the other external monitors but are a different faded grey, im assuming to show they arent active. Cant access refresh rate or alter …
Incorrect active signal resolution - Microsoft Community
Aug 31, 2018 · I set the indicated resolution on each screen but the screen 3 is looking blurry. Go to "advanced display settings" and I can see even though the "Desktop resolution" is correctly …
How to enable ActiveX on Windows 10 - Microsoft Community
Aug 8, 2015 · 1. Do you receive any prompt message to install Active X? 2. Does the issue occur with particular webpage? Let's try the following and check: Method 1: To enable ActiveX in …
Anyone get unknowingly charged $99.95 by Active Network?
Not fraud. When you sign up for an event through Active Network, like an ironman race, they'll sneakily set you up with a 30 day trial to their "Active Advantage" program, which gives …
Enable ActiveX control in Microsoft Edge latest
Sep 2, 2020 · I work on a web Application which runs only on IE11. Currently, we use ActiveX control to open Documents (MS word) with in the web application. so far, everything works …
Message - Active Content is Blocked - Microsoft Community
Mar 5, 2023 · The "active content" in Access refers to any code or macros within the database that can execute when the file is opened. The message is a security measure designed to …
Tracking Employee Activity - Microsoft Community
Apr 7, 2020 · Even if it's not tracking their full computer activity, that it is at least tracking a summary of the overall amount of time that the person is active in teams. You may want to …
Is this scam? Complete a purchase by May 11, 2025 to keep your …
Apr 16, 2025 · Complete a purchase by May 11, 2025 to keep your account active (SOLVED) Hello, I am a small business owner, with just an Microsoft 365 Business Basic licence.
How do I forcefully change the active signal resolution?
Nov 19, 2019 · I understand that you want to change the active signal resolution for the monitor that you are using. I would suggest you to refer the troubleshooting steps mentioned below and see if …
how to highlight an active row so that I can see it clearly and not ...
Feb 6, 2025 · It highlights the row and column of whatever your current active cell is. On the View ribbon select Focus Cell in the Show section to activate it. Reply if you have additional questions …
External monitors detected but not active, how can I fix this?
Mar 23, 2023 · In the normal Display settings it simply shows the other external monitors but are a different faded grey, im assuming to show they arent active. Cant access refresh rate or alter …
Incorrect active signal resolution - Microsoft Community
Aug 31, 2018 · I set the indicated resolution on each screen but the screen 3 is looking blurry. Go to "advanced display settings" and I can see even though the "Desktop resolution" is correctly set, …
How to enable ActiveX on Windows 10 - Microsoft Community
Aug 8, 2015 · 1. Do you receive any prompt message to install Active X? 2. Does the issue occur with particular webpage? Let's try the following and check: Method 1: To enable ActiveX in …
Anyone get unknowingly charged $99.95 by Active Network?
Not fraud. When you sign up for an event through Active Network, like an ironman race, they'll sneakily set you up with a 30 day trial to their "Active Advantage" program, which gives …
Enable ActiveX control in Microsoft Edge latest
Sep 2, 2020 · I work on a web Application which runs only on IE11. Currently, we use ActiveX control to open Documents (MS word) with in the web application. so far, everything works perfect with …
Message - Active Content is Blocked - Microsoft Community
Mar 5, 2023 · The "active content" in Access refers to any code or macros within the database that can execute when the file is opened. The message is a security measure designed to protect …
Tracking Employee Activity - Microsoft Community
Apr 7, 2020 · Even if it's not tracking their full computer activity, that it is at least tracking a summary of the overall amount of time that the person is active in teams. You may want to check …
Is this scam? Complete a purchase by May 11, 2025 to keep your …
Apr 16, 2025 · Complete a purchase by May 11, 2025 to keep your account active (SOLVED) Hello, I am a small business owner, with just an Microsoft 365 Business Basic licence.
