Active Sentence
What Is an Active Sentence? (with Examples)
In an active sentence, the subject performs the action of the verb.An active sentence is the opposite of a passive sentence. Examples:
- The dog ate all the biscuits. (In this example, The dog is the subject of the sentence. The dog is the subject of the verb to eat. The dog is performing the action of the verb; i.e., it is the thing doing the eating.)
- The biscuits were eaten by the dog. (In this example, the biscuits did not perform the action of the verb. In fact, it was done to them. Therefore, this is a passive sentence.)
More Examples of Active Sentences
Here are some more examples of active sentences:- Tony is trimming the hedges all week. (Tony is doing the action (trimming))
- Hammerhead sharks will pester you as you approach the reef. (Hammerhead sharks doing the action (pester))
As you can see from the last two interactive examples above, passive sentences can be useful to avoid blame. This page lists other times when passive sentences might be useful.
Many companies do not like their staff to write using passive sentences. Therefore, a number of grammar checkers will often suggest an active version of your passive sentence. However, if you prefer the passive version, stick with it.
Passive sentences can be useful.
Passive sentences can be useful.
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