GED Reasoning Through Language ArtsLanguage Conventions and UsageMedium
A business analyst is writing a report and needs to use active voice for clarity. Which sentence uses active voice?
- AThe analyst completed the report.
- BThe new strategy was approved by the board.
- CSolutions to the problem were proposed.
- DThe report was written by the analyst.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. The analyst completed the report.
In active voice, the subject of the sentence performs the action. In option C, 'The analyst' (subject) performs the action 'completed' (verb). In passive voice, the subject receives the action.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. This is passive voice; the strategy (subject) received the action of being approved.
- C. This is passive voice; the solutions (subject) received the action of being proposed, and the actor is unspecified.
- D. This is passive voice; the report (subject) received the action of being written.
Active Voice
In active voice, the subject of the sentence performs the action of the verb. It typically follows a Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) structure, making sentences direct, clear, and concise.
- Subject performs action.
- Direct and clear.
- Often SVO structure.
- More concise than passive voice.
Memory trick: Active voice acts, passive voice is acted upon.