What Is the Advantage of Using Active Voice in Persuasive Writing

Using active voice in persuasive writing makes your message clear, direct, and engaging, effectively convincing your readers of your point of view.

When you're trying to persuade someone, how you say things matters just as much as what you're saying. The active voice puts the subject of the sentence up front, making your statements stronger and more compelling. Let's dive into why using active voice gives you an advantage in persuasive writing.

Clarity and Directness

Active voice sentences are straightforward and easy to understand. They follow a simple structure: Subject + Verb + Object. This clarity helps your audience grasp your message quickly.

Active Voice Example:

• The team launched a new project.

Passive Voice Example:

• A new project was launched by the team.

The active voice example is direct and tells you exactly who is doing what, reducing any potential confusion.

Stronger Impact

Using active voice adds power to your words. It makes your writing more assertive, which is key in persuasion.

Active Voice:

• We must change our approach to succeed.

Passive Voice:

• A change in approach is needed for success.

The first sentence is more impactful because it clearly assigns responsibility and action.

Engaging the Reader

Active voice keeps your writing lively and engaging, which holds the reader's attention.

Active Voice:

• You can make a difference by recycling.

Passive Voice:

• A difference can be made by recycling.

By directly addressing the reader, the active voice sentence is more compelling and encourages action.

Emphasizing Responsibility

When you use active voice, it's clear who is responsible for the action. This can be crucial when persuading others to take responsibility or action.

Active Voice:

• Governments should implement renewable energy policies.

Passive Voice:

• Renewable energy policies should be implemented.

The active voice specifies who needs to act, making the argument stronger.

Better Flow

Active voice often results in sentences that flow better and are less wordy.

Active Voice:

• Scientists discovered the cure after years of research.

Passive Voice:

• The cure was discovered by scientists after years of research.

The active sentence is smoother and keeps the reader moving through your argument.

Conclusion

In persuasive writing, your goal is to convince your audience. Using active voice makes your writing clearer, more direct, and more engaging. It gives your arguments strength and clarity, increasing the chances that your readers will be persuaded by your message.