Do both the main message and the call to action use the active voice?
Language
ShareCompartir
Use active voice and allow the subject of the sentence to perform the action. Active voice is used most often in conversation.
Example 1:
Active Voice:
Wash fruits and vegetables before you cut or peel them.
Passive Voice:
Fruits and vegetables should be washed before they are cut or peeled.
Example 2:
Before (passive voice):
The draft guidance was made available for public comment through publication in the Federal Register. Comments received were considered and, when appropriate, incorporated into the document.
After (active voice):
CDC published the draft guidelines in the Federal Register for public comment. We carefully reviewed the comments and, when it was appropriate, we incorporated them into the guidelines.
Resources
Supporting Plain Language Guideline: Use active voice.
Supported by the CDC Style Guide: As a rule, use the active voice because it is more accurate, direct, precise, and interesting.
- Page last reviewed: August 11, 2014
- Page last updated: August 11, 2014
- Content source:
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- Page maintained by: Office of Associate Director of Communication, Division of Public Affairs