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# Active-Voice Verbs Are Preferred in Business Writing: A Comprehensive Analysis
Author: Dr. Evelyn Reed, PhD in Professional Communication, Certified Business Writing Instructor, and author of The Business Writer's Handbook. Dr. Reed has over 20 years of experience teaching and consulting on business writing, specializing in clarity, conciseness, and effective communication strategies. Her expertise specifically includes the impact of grammatical choices, such as active-voice verbs, on professional communication outcomes.
Keywords: active-voice verbs are preferred in business writing, business writing, active voice, passive voice, clarity, conciseness, effective communication, professional writing, grammar, style guide
The Historical Context: Why Active Voice Reigns Supreme
The preference for active-voice verbs in business writing isn't a recent trend; it's a principle rooted in the evolution of effective communication. Early forms of business communication, often characterized by elaborate phrasing and indirect language, gradually gave way to a more direct and efficient style. This shift coincided with the rise of industrialization and the increasing importance of rapid, clear communication in commerce. The telegraph, then the telephone, further emphasized the need for brevity and precision. Ambiguity was costly, and active-voice verbs, with their straightforward subject-verb-object structure, became crucial for minimizing misunderstandings and maximizing efficiency.
The 20th century saw the formalization of these principles in style guides and business writing textbooks. Publications like The Elements of Style by Strunk and White, while not explicitly focused on business writing, significantly impacted the broader writing landscape, advocating for clear, concise prose. This emphasis on clarity naturally favored the active voice, which immediately identifies the actor and the action. The passive voice, often characterized by its use of "to be" verbs and vague subjects, was seen as obfuscating and inefficient—traits wholly undesirable in a business context. This historical context underscores the enduring relevance of the principle: active-voice verbs are preferred in business writing.
Current Relevance: Why Active Voice Remains Essential
Despite the evolution of communication technologies, the core principles underlying the preference for active-voice verbs in business writing remain strikingly relevant. In today's fast-paced business environment, clarity and conciseness are more critical than ever. Emails, reports, presentations, and memos—all essential components of modern business communication—demand precision and efficiency. Active-voice verbs are preferred in business writing because they directly contribute to these qualities.
1. Clarity and Precision: Active voice eliminates ambiguity by clearly identifying who is performing the action. For example, "The marketing team launched the new campaign" is far clearer and more direct than "The new campaign was launched by the marketing team." The former sentence immediately establishes the subject (marketing team) and the action (launched), leaving no room for misinterpretation.
2. Conciseness and Efficiency: Active voice sentences tend to be shorter and more to the point. This conciseness saves time for both the writer and the reader, improving overall efficiency in communication. In a busy professional environment, brevity is a significant asset. Active-voice verbs are preferred in business writing because they facilitate efficient communication.
3. Stronger Impact and Engagement: Active voice sentences are generally more dynamic and engaging. They create a sense of immediacy and action, making the writing more impactful and persuasive. This is particularly important in marketing materials, proposals, and other forms of communication designed to influence readers.
4. Improved Professionalism: Consistent use of active voice demonstrates attention to detail and grammatical precision, contributing to a more professional image. This is crucial for building credibility and trust with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders. The preference for active-voice verbs in business writing reinforces professionalism.
5. Avoidance of Ambiguity and Misunderstandings: The passive voice can sometimes obscure responsibility or obscure the actor of the action, potentially leading to confusion or even misinterpretations of critical information. Active voice removes this ambiguity, especially vital in legal or regulatory documents.
Exceptions and Nuances: When Passive Voice Might Be Appropriate
While active-voice verbs are preferred in business writing, it's not an absolute rule. There are instances where the passive voice can be more appropriate, though these are generally the exception rather than the norm. For instance, the passive voice can be used when:
The actor is unknown or unimportant: "The window was broken."
The focus is on the action rather than the actor: "The report was completed on time."
To maintain objectivity: In scientific reports or technical documentation, the passive voice can help to avoid bias.
To emphasize the recipient of the action: "The employee was given a promotion."
However, even in these cases, careful consideration should be given to whether the active voice could achieve a clearer and more concise expression. The overriding principle remains that active-voice verbs are preferred in business writing whenever possible.
Conclusion
The preference for active-voice verbs in business writing is not merely a stylistic choice; it's a principle grounded in the historical evolution of effective communication and the practical demands of the modern business environment. While exceptions exist, the clear advantages of active voice—clarity, conciseness, stronger impact, and improved professionalism—make it the preferred choice for most business communication. Embracing active voice is a crucial step towards improving the overall effectiveness and impact of your business writing. Active-voice verbs are preferred in business writing because they contribute directly to achieving clear, concise, and persuasive communication.
FAQs
1. What is the difference between active and passive voice? Active voice emphasizes the subject performing the action (e.g., "The dog chased the ball"). Passive voice emphasizes the action being done to the object (e.g., "The ball was chased by the dog").
2. How can I identify passive voice in my writing? Look for sentences with a form of "to be" (is, are, was, were, etc.) followed by a past participle (e.g., "was written," "is being considered").
3. Are there any tools that can help me identify passive voice? Yes, many grammar and style checkers can detect passive voice constructions.
4. Is it always wrong to use passive voice? No, but it should be used sparingly and strategically, primarily when the actor is unknown or unimportant.
5. How can I rewrite passive sentences into active voice? Identify the actor of the action and make it the subject of the sentence. Then, use a strong active verb.
6. Does using active voice always make my writing better? Not necessarily, but it generally leads to clearer and more concise writing.
7. Can I overuse active voice? Yes, it's possible to overuse active voice, leading to monotonous and repetitive writing. Vary your sentence structure for better flow.
8. What are the implications of using passive voice in formal business documents? Using too much passive voice can make your writing seem unclear, indirect, and less professional.
9. Where can I find more resources on business writing style? Numerous books, websites, and online courses offer guidance on business writing style and the effective use of active voice.
Related Articles
1. "The Power of Active Voice in Business Communication": This article explores the impact of active voice on audience engagement and persuasion in various business contexts.
2. "Conciseness and Clarity: Mastering Active Voice in Business Writing": This piece focuses on practical techniques for identifying and revising passive voice sentences to improve conciseness.
3. "Active Voice vs. Passive Voice: A Practical Guide for Business Professionals": A comprehensive guide comparing the two voices and providing examples to illustrate their differences.
4. "Avoiding Ambiguity: The Importance of Active Voice in Legal Writing": This article emphasizes the crucial role of active voice in legal documents to ensure clarity and prevent misinterpretations.
5. "Boosting Your Business Writing with Strong Verbs": This article discusses the importance of choosing strong verbs, which often naturally lead to active voice constructions.
6. "From Passive to Powerful: Transforming Your Business Writing": This piece offers step-by-step instructions on how to rewrite passive sentences into stronger, active constructions.
7. "The Impact of Grammar on Credibility: Active Voice in Professional Communication": This article emphasizes the link between grammatical precision (including active voice usage) and the perception of professionalism.
8. "Active Voice and Persuasion: A Case Study in Business Proposals": A case study examining the effectiveness of active voice in persuasive business proposals.
9. "Style Guides and Active Voice: A Comparative Analysis": This article examines how leading style guides (like the Chicago Manual of Style and AP Stylebook) address the use of active voice in professional writing.
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| active voice verbs are preferred in business writing: Professional English Grammar Aishik Dutta, Unlock the secrets to flawless professional writing with Professional English Grammar. Whether you're a seasoned professional, a student, or someone aiming to improve your communication skills, this comprehensive guide is the perfect resource to help you master the rules and nuances of English grammar in the workplace. Packed with clear explanations, practical examples, and easy-to-follow exercises, this book covers everything from the basics of sentence structure to advanced grammatical concepts. Inside, you'll find: Clear and Concise Explanations: Learn the essential parts of speech, punctuation, sentence structures, and grammar rules that are vital for professional success. Advanced Grammar Techniques: Dive into sophisticated topics like verb tenses, the use of passive vs. active voice, and the art of maintaining consistency in tone and style. Real-World Applications: Apply your knowledge to business emails, technical reports, presentations, and academic papers with precision and confidence. Practical Exercises: Sharpen your skills with exercises and a full answer key to test your understanding and track your progress. Whether you're drafting a formal report, composing a professional email, or preparing a presentation, Professional English Grammar provides you with the tools to write with clarity, accuracy, and authority. Perfect for professionals, students, and anyone looking to enhance their writing, this book is a must-have for effective communication in any field. Elevate your professional communication today with Professional English Grammar. Get your copy now and start writing with confidence! |
| active voice verbs are preferred in business writing: George Burton, George Burton Hotchkiss, Business Training Corporation, 2011-09 This is a reproduction of a book published before 1923. This book may have occasional imperfectionssuch as missing or blurred pages, poor pictures, errant marks, etc. that were either part of the original artifact, or were introduced by the scanning process. We believe this work is culturally important, and despite the imperfections, have elected to bring it back into print as part of our continuing commitment to the preservation of printed worksworldwide. We appreciate your understanding of the imperfections in the preservation process, and hope you enjoy this valuable book.++++The below data was compiled from various identification fields in the bibliographic record of this title. This data is provided as an additional tool in helping to ensure edition identification: ++++ Business English: Being A First Unit Of A Course In Business English, Volume 5; Business English: Being A First Unit Of A Course In Business English; George Burton Hotchkiss George Burton Hotchkiss, Business Training Corporation Business Training Corp., 1916 English language |
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| active voice verbs are preferred in business writing: The Essential Handbook For Business Writing Desmond A Gilling, 2021-04-26 With the emergence of English as the official language of business worldwide, It is critical that business writers produce clear, concise communication. Written communication is like a corporate ambassador: individuals and companies will be judged by the professionalism evident in their business writing. The handbook offers a lesson-on-every-page format for ease of use and for instant comprehension. The best way for a user to fully understand the writing concepts presented in this handbook is to follow the examples attached to each lesson. To further assist the user in mastering business writing, there are over 30 template-like writing samples with guidelines. In fact, users could simply follow the format of these writing samples and fill in their own content. Should the user be tasked with putting together newsletters or a visual piece (invitations, announcements, etc.), there is a section devoted to graphics, design, fonts, and visual layouts. This handbook consists of five stand-alone sections: composition basics; usage; writing style and structure; proposals and reports; visual design. This handbook has been a favourite of corporations, universities and colleges, and international users. Note: there is no discrepancy between British, Canadian, and American usage. |
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| active voice verbs are preferred in business writing: 7 Steps to Better Writing Charles Maxwell, 2020-09-05 Finally, a book that shows how to vastly improve your writing using modern technology! This book lays out 7 steps that will enhance your writing. These proven methods yield superior results. As you apply them, you'll communicate better and achieve more influence. You'll learn how to better identify your readers' needs and write to capture their interest. You'll sense how to control the tone of your writing so it rings true with your readers. You'll understand how to collect and organize the information you need to be persuasive. This book shows you how to exploit the power of the internet, how to quickly find information, and how to use it to full advantage. You'll learn how to make interviews productive. You'll find tools to help you capture information so it's easy to recall and reuse. You'll discover how to brainstorm more effectively, whether you work alone or are part of a team. You'll come to know how to use mind-mapping software to spur your creativity. You'll see how to use Ishikawa Diagrams to structure your ideas. And, you'll grasp how to check your thinking for completeness. You'll be provided with dozens of techniques for organizing your thoughts and material. You'll learn approaches for analyzing problems, proposing changes, persuading others, explaining complex topics, telling stories, and generating powerful sales copy. You'll know how to capture attention, hold the reader's interest, and drive home your point. You'll acquire the ability to draft faster with better results. You'll see how to focus on what works. You'll pick up tips on how to better use voice recognition software to go for speed, control your tone, always have more relevant things to say, and write compelling summaries and conclusions. You'll learn how to edit with power and confidence. You'll realize how to spot and eliminate unclear themes, incorrect assumptions, lapses in logic, irrelevant information, and inappropriate amount of evidence--both too little and too much. You'll find simple explanations of grammar. And in doing so, you'll get the tools you need to craft sentences that really work to communicate your ideas. You'll gain the ability to keep your writing simple and clear. In addition, you'll learn how to check the sound of what you have written using text readers so it resonates with your readers. In short, you'll become a master of crafting powerful and persuasive language. In addition, you'll improve your ability to proof your work, so you are not embarrassed by making stupid errors. You'll be introduced to a sequenced approach to proofreading that minimizes your effort and provides the best results. And finally, you'll learn how to apply these many insights and tips to write better emails, letters, memos, reports, presentations, articles, blogs, websites, and business proposals. THE RESULT. You'll find the words to express your thoughts and feelings. And, your proposals, reports, and emails will get the attention they deserve. This is a book for people in business, government, non-profit organizations, and education. It's a book for those writing serious material for their jobs and their callings. This book contains everything necessary to improve your writing, and there's no fluff. In the time it takes to read this book--less than 4 hours--you can start becoming a stronger writer. After investing only 8 hours--one normal workday--in doing some of the recommended exercises, you'll see improvements in your writing. Is it magic? No. It's just good advice backed up by extensive research and decades of experience. You too can write better, even exceptionally well. 7 Steps to Better Writing will help you do it. |
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| active voice verbs are preferred in business writing: Performing Prose Chris Holcomb, M. Jimmie Killingsworth, 2010-05-06 In Performing Prose, authors Chris Holcomb and M. Jimmie Killingsworth breathe new life into traditional concepts of style. Drawing on numerous examples from a wide range of authors and genres, Holcomb and Killingsworth demonstrate the use of style as a vehicle for performance, a way for writers to project themselves onto the page while managing their engagement with the reader. By addressing style and rhetoric not as an editorial afterthought, but as a means of social interaction, they equip students with the vocabulary and tools to analyze the styles of others in fresh ways, as well as create their own. Whereas most writing texts focus exclusively on analysis or techniques to improve writing, Holcomb and Killingsworth blend these two schools of thought to provide a singular process of thinking about writing. They discuss not only the benefits of conventional methods, but also the use of deviation from tradition; the strategies authors use to vary their style; and the use of such vehicles as images, tropes, and schemes. The goal of the authors is to provide writers with stylistic “footing”: an understanding of the ways writers use style to orchestrate their relationships with readers, subject matter, and rhetorical situations. Packed with useful tips and insights, this comprehensive volume investigates every aspect of style and its use to present an indispensable resource for both students and scholars. Performing Prose moves beyond customary studies to provide a refreshing and informative approach to the concepts and strategies of writing. |
| active voice verbs are preferred in business writing: Business Communication John J. Stallard, E. Ray Smith, Sandra F. Price, 1989 |
| active voice verbs are preferred in business writing: Effective Writing John Kirkman, Christopher Turk, 2002-09-11 Effective communication is vital to science, engineering and business management. This thoroughly updated second edition with a new chapter on the use of computers and word-processors gives clear, practical advice illustrated with real-life examples on how to select, organize and present information in reports, papers and other documents. |
Active Voice Verbs Are Preferred In Business Writing
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Active voice emphasizes the subject who performs the action. There should be a clear actor and receiver of the action. Ex: Her group presented the project in class. Passive voice emphasizes …
Let s Get Active: Active Voice Writing Guide - APA Style
Nov 7, 2023 · Use this guide to understand what voice is and how it is used in APA Style. Then practice rewriting sentences from the passive voice to the active voice to help make your …
Active and Passive Voice - Sam M. Walton College of Business
Voice, in grammar, describes whether the subject of a sentence is acting (active voice) or being acted upon (passive voice). Writers have occasion to use both voices, but most writers …
Active vs. Passive Voice - University of Wyoming
For most writing, active voice is the preferred form. But if you want to emphasize the action as the subject of the sentence, rather than the agent, use passive voice. (This use is most common in …
WRITING IN THE ACTIVE VOICE - Regent University
Active voice helps make writing strong and concise. The opposite of active voice is passive voice, which occurs when a writer pairs a “to-be” verb (am, are, is, was, were, be, being, been) with a …
Active Voice Verbs Are Preferred In Business Writing
Active Voice Verbs Are Preferred In Business Writing Focuses mainly on educational books, textbooks, and business books. It offers free PDF downloads for educational purposes.
Using Active Voice - Texas Woman’s University
Although passive voice is not grammatically incorrect, using active verbs instead of passive verbs makes writing more direct and immediate. Things happen instead of being talked about, so the …
Filipino Students’ Active-Passive Voice Preference in …
Active voice is generally used in business writing to emphasize the doer of the action. In this way, the reader or the audience will not be wondering who does the action (Munalim, 2014).
Active Voice and Passive Voice - Utah Valley University
The relationship between verbs and nouns in writing indicates what is important in each sentence. Active voice prioritizes the subject, and passive voice prioritizes the action. In most cases, …
Active Voice Verbs Are Preferred In Business Writing
The preference for active-voice verbs in business writing is not merely a stylistic choice; it's a principle grounded in the historical evolution of effective communication and the practical …
Active And Passive Voice Exercises
Active And Passive Voice Exercises Active and Passive Voice Exercises: Mastering the Art of Clear Communication In the ever-evolving landscape of digital content creation and …
Active and Passive Voice - University of Colorado Colorado …
Active voice is generally preferred in non-scientific writing to compose sentences that are concise, clear, and easily readable. In addition, active voice often utilizes action verbs that many …
Microsoft Word - Active and Passive Voice.doc - Hunter …
When a sentence is written in the active voice, the subject performs the action; in the passive voice, the subject receives the action. In academic writing, it is generally preferred to choose …
Active Voice Verbs Are Preferred In Business Writing
The preference for active-voice verbs in business writing is not merely a stylistic choice; it's a principle grounded in the historical evolution of effective communication and the practical …
Active Voice Verbs Are Preferred In Business Writing
Active Voice Verbs Are Preferred In Business Writing: The Fundamentals of Business Writing: Claudine L. Boros,Leslie Louis Boros,2012-04-02 to follow Essentials of Business …
Active Voice Verbs Are Preferred In Business Writing (2024)
Active Voice Verbs Are Preferred In Business Writing: The Fundamentals of Business Writing: Claudine L. Boros,Leslie Louis Boros,2012-04-02 to follow Essentials of Business …
Active Voice Verbs Are Preferred In Business Writing
This article will explore the advantages of Active Voice Verbs Are Preferred In Business Writing books and manuals for download, along with some popular platforms that offer these resources.
Active Voice Verbs Are Preferred In Business Writing (book)
Such may be the essence of the book Active Voice Verbs Are Preferred In Business Writing, a literary masterpiece that delves deep into the significance of words and their effect on our …
