Rule 8. Active verbs.

 Using the active voice makes your writing stronger and more direct. It is not grammatically incorrect to use the passive voice, but you should avoid it as much as you can. A passive verb consists of the verb “to be” followed by a past participle.

The motion for summary judgment was granted by the court.

 Was granted is the passive verb in this sentence, consisting of the verb “to be”—was—and a past participle—granted. To put it in the active voice, eliminate the verb “to be” and change the past participle to an active verb. You may need to rearrange the words in the sentence to change to the active voice.

The court granted the motion for summary judgment.

Passive: The cookies were baked by Tom.
Active: Tom baked the cookies.

Passive: Being a teenager, I was rebellious against every rule set by my parents.
Active: Being a teenager, I rebelled against every rule set by my parents.

Practice:

  1.  The last five years of my life have been spent preparing myself for the exact requirements of the job you are offering.
  2. I feel that my previous work has helped me prepared for this position.
  3. In the past three years, I have gained a lot of experience in the legal field.
  4. At the law firm, I was responsible for typing affidavits and conducting legal research for new cases.
  5. It was determined by the court that the reciting the alphabet is not protected by the privilege against self incrimination.
  6. When leaving the party, Jason was not observed acting drunk.
  7. The appellant’s argument was dismissed by the court. In recent court cases, it has been ruled that drivers may not refuse to take field sobriety tests.
  8. It was the driver’s claim that he should not have been required to recite the alphabet.
  9. The cement post was owned by the telephone company.

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