Using Active and Passive Voice Appropriately in Journalistic Writing

The field of journalism relies on the power of clear and direct communication. To share news effectively, a writer must choose the right words and the right structure. One of the most vital choices a journalist makes involves the use of active and passive voice. This choice shapes how a reader sees the story. It also affects how quickly a reader can grasp the facts. While many people think one voice is always better than the other, both have a place in professional writing. Understanding when to use each allows a writer to craft stories that are both honest and engaging. This article explores the roles of these two voices in the world of news and media.

Active voice occurs when the subject of a sentence performs the action. For example, a writer might say the mayor signed the new law. In this case, the mayor is the subject and is doing the work. Passive voice happens when the subject receives the action. An example would be the new law was signed by the mayor. Both sentences share the same facts, but they feel very different. In most cases, newsrooms prefer the active voice because it is more direct. It gets to the point quickly and keeps the story moving. This is essential in a fast-paced world where readers often skim the news on their phones.

The Strength of the Active Voice

The active voice is the primary tool for a news writer. It provides a sense of energy and speed that fits the nature of breaking news. When a writer uses active voice, they place the person or thing doing the action at the start of the sentence. This structure mirrors how we often see the world. We see a person do something, and then we see the result. By following this natural flow, a journalist makes their writing easier to follow. This clarity is the main reason why style guides like the Associated Press Stylebook suggest using active voice as a default setting.

Another benefit of the active voice is that it saves space. Passive sentences often require more words. They often need helping verbs like was or been. In print journalism, space is limited and every word costs money. In digital journalism, long sentences can lose the interest of the reader. By cutting out extra words, the active voice makes the text lean and strong. It allows the writer to pack more information into a smaller space. This efficiency is a hallmark of professional writing that respects the time of the audience.

Accountability in Reporting

Journalism is not just about sharing facts. It is also about holding people in power accountable. The active voice is vital for this goal. It forces the writer to name who is responsible for an action. If a reporter says the police arrested the suspect, it is clear who took action. If they say the suspect was arrested, the actor is hidden. In stories about crime, politics, or business, knowing who did what is very important. Using active voice prevents the writer from being vague or hiding the truth. It builds trust with the reader by being open and transparent about the events being reported.

When to Use the Passive Voice

Despite the many benefits of the active voice, the passive voice is not a mistake. It is a stylistic choice that serves a specific purpose. There are times in journalism when the action is more important than the person doing it. For example, if a famous painting is stolen, the theft is the news. The identity of the thief may not be known yet. In this case, saying the painting was stolen is the most accurate way to report the event. The focus stays on the object of interest rather than a mystery person. This helps the reader understand the core of the story immediately.

Passive voice is also useful when the writer wants to emphasize the victim or the receiver of an action. In a story about a disaster, a reporter might say hundreds of homes were destroyed. This phrasing keeps the focus on the tragedy and the people affected. If they said the storm destroyed hundreds of homes, the focus might shift slightly toward the power of the weather. By choosing the passive voice, the writer directs the emotions and thoughts of the reader toward the human impact of the event. This subtle shift can change the entire tone of a news piece.

The Role of Objectivity

Professional journalism aims to be objective and fair. Sometimes, the active voice can sound too aggressive or biased. The passive voice can provide a neutral tone that feels more like a formal record. This is common in legal or scientific reporting within a news context. For instance, a report might state that a study was conducted over three years. This sounds more professional than saying researchers spent three years on a study. It creates a sense of distance that can be helpful when reporting on sensitive or technical topics. It allows the facts to stand on their own without the interference of a strong subject.

Maintaining Reader Interest

A major goal for any writer is to keep the reader engaged from the first word to the last. The rhythm of a story depends on how the writer mixes sentence structures. If every sentence is in the active voice, the writing can start to feel repetitive. It might sound like a simple list of actions. By using a passive sentence once in a while, a journalist can change the pace. This variety keeps the brain active and makes the reading experience more pleasant. A good writer knows how to balance these two forms to create a smooth flow of information.

To keep the reading ease score high, writers should look for ways to simplify their prose. Passive voice often adds complexity that is not needed. For example, instead of saying it was decided by the committee that the meeting should be held on Tuesday, a writer should say the committee moved the meeting to Tuesday. The second version is much easier to read. It removes the mental work the reader has to do to find the subject. Keeping sentences short and direct is the best way to ensure the message is received by a wide audience. This is especially true when writing for a global or diverse group of readers.

Ethical Considerations in Voice Selection

Writers must be careful not to use the passive voice to avoid blame. In the world of PR and politics, people often use the phrase mistakes were made. This is a classic example of using the passive voice to hide who is at fault. A journalist has a duty to avoid this kind of language. If the actor is known, they should be named. Using the active voice is an ethical choice that promotes honesty. It prevents the news from sounding like it is covering up for a person or an organization. Clear writing leads to a better-informed public.

In summary, the choice between active and passive voice is a key part of the craft of journalism. Active voice is the primary tool for speed, clarity, and truth. It makes the writing come alive and keeps the reader engaged. However, the passive voice is a valuable secondary tool. It helps when the focus needs to be on the result of an action or when the actor is unknown. By using both with care, a professional writer can create stories that are easy to read and hard to forget. The goal is always to serve the reader with the most direct and honest version of the news.

Sources

Associated Press. (2022). The Associated Press stylebook (56th ed.). Associated Press.

Harrower, T. (2012). Inside reporting: A practical guide to the craft of journalism (3rd ed.). McGraw-Hill Education.

Strunk, W., & White, E. B. (2000). The elements of style (4th ed.). Longman.

Zinsser, W. (2006). On writing well: The classic guide to writing nonfiction (30th ed.). Harper Perennial.