In formal writing, the active voice is preferred for clarity and precision.

Voice matters. Not the kind you hear in a novel or on a stage, but the kind that shows up in sentences every day. When you’re working with the English section of the Accuplacer or any formal writing task, choosing between active and passive voice isn’t a mere stylistic flourish—it changes clarity, pace, and how easily your reader follows your point. So, what type of voice is preferred in formal writing? Let me give you the short answer up front: the active voice.

A quick moment for the question you’ve probably seen in study guides or quick quizzes:

Which type of voice is preferred in formal writing?

A. Passive voice

B. Active voice

C. Both are equally acceptable

D. Neither; informal voice is preferred

Correct answer: B. Active voice.

Now, why does this small choice matter so much? In formal writing, clarity is king. The active voice puts the subject in direct contact with the action. When you say, “The committee approved the proposal,” you immediately know who did what. The action isn’t hiding somewhere after a long, winding phrase. There’s a rhythm to it, a sense of accountability and precision that helps readers grasp the point quickly. And in a testing context like the English section of the Accuplacer, clarity isn’t a luxury—it’s a diagnostic cue that readers use to judge your command of language.

Let’s unpack the why a little more, without getting lost in jargon.

Active voice: the engine of clear communication

• Directness: The active voice puts the doer right next to the verb. It’s straightforward, almost conversational, and that’s a plus when you’re trying to convey ideas efficiently.

• Responsibility: When you identify who performs the action, you reduce ambiguity. This is especially important in arguments, explanations, and descriptions where accountability matters.

• Readability: Readers don’t have to wade through extra words to understand the core idea. Shorter, crisper sentences often read more smoothly, which helps with overall comprehension—something tests and real-world readers alike appreciate.

A quick contrast to keep the distinction fresh

• Passive voice example: “The report was written by the analyst.”

• Active voice equivalent: “The analyst wrote the report.”

Both sentences convey the same information, but the second version feels tighter, more energetic, and easier to follow. In a lot of formal writing, that sense of immediacy is exactly what you want to cultivate.

When passive voice still has a place (yes, even in formal writing)

There are occasions where the passive form isn’t just acceptable—it’s practical:

• Unknown actor: “The results were recorded yesterday.” If you don’t need to name who did the action, the passive keeps the focus where it belongs.

• Emphasis on the action or result: “A solution was proposed” might highlight the outcome rather than the person who proposed it.

• Polite or objective tone: Some disciplines use passive constructions to maintain an objective tone, especially in methods sections or formal reports.

However, even in those cases, the key is balance. A steady diet of passive sentences can feel distant or stilted, so sprinkle active constructions where you can without losing the intended emphasis.

How to switch from passive to active, quickly and cleanly

If you’re ever unsure whether a sentence is passive, look for a form of “to be” (is, are, was, were, be, been) plus a past participle (written, completed, measured) and a possible “by” phrase. That’s your signal to consider an active rewrite.

• Step 1: Find the actor. Who performed the action?

• Step 2: Put that actor at the front with a strong verb.

• Step 3: If the actor isn’t crucial, you might still keep a version that’s concise and direct; you don’t have to force every sentence into an active mold.

• Step 4: Read it aloud. If it sounds natural and clear, you’ve probably nailed it.

A few practical examples

• Passive: “The data were analyzed by the team to determine the trend.”

Active: “The team analyzed the data to determine the trend.”

• Passive: “The proposal was reviewed by several stakeholders before approval.”

Active: “Several stakeholders reviewed the proposal before approving it.”

• Passive: “The error was detected during the audit.”

Active: “The audit detected the error.”

These aren’t just grammar tweaks; they’re shifts in how you guide the reader’s attention through your argument or explanation.

A friendly rule of thumb for everyday writing

In most formal contexts—essays, reports, professional emails, and similar documents—start with active voice. If you’re describing who did what, lead with the actor and the action. If you can’t place the actor or if the action itself is the star, a well-placed passive sentence can work, but use it sparingly.

A micro-workout you can try right now

• Take three sentences from a paragraph you’ve written recently.

• Mark any “to be” verb constructions and the “by” phrases.

• Try rewriting each one in active voice.

• See how the tone and pace feel after the change.

You’ll probably notice a more direct rhythm and less wordiness. That’s not just a vibes thing—that’s readability and clarity at work.

Linking voice to the broader aims of formal writing

Voice isn’t a one-note concept. It intertwines with audience expectations, the purpose of the piece, and even the discipline you’re writing in. For English-related tasks on the Accuplacer, the aim is not to sound flashy but to communicate clearly and efficiently. Active voice helps you accomplish that by:

• Keeping sentences lean and purposeful

• Reducing ambiguity about who does what

• Making arguments and explanations more persuasive

• Enhancing the flow, so readers can follow logic without stumbling

That said, a stamp of good writing often includes a mix of sentence structures. Short, punchy statements can punctuate longer, more complex lines. The key is variety, not monotony. A smart blend of active lines with a few well-placed passive lines can keep your prose dynamic and precise.

A glance at the bigger picture: how voice fits into the English assessment landscape

• Clarity and directness: Active voice typically answers the audience’s need to know who did what, without unnecessary detours.

• Precision: By tying actions to concrete actors, you reduce vagueness, which helps with both comprehension and evaluation.

• Rhythm and readability: Alternating sentence lengths and types keeps readers engaged. This rhythm matters on any reading-based assessment because it mirrors how ideas unfold in real life.

If you’re curious about quick reads and practical examples, consider looking at well-edited articles, academic journals, or polished reports in journalism or business writing. These sources model the balance of active and passive voice in real-world contexts, helping you hear how sentences feel when spoken aloud.

A few light touchpoints you can carry forward

• Ask yourself: If I remove the “by someone” piece, does the sentence still make sense and deliver the point? If yes, you may have a clean active version.

• Use strong, specific verbs. Swap weak verbs plus adverbs for a single vivid verb when possible.

• Don’t overthink every sentence. If a sentence feels heavy, break it into two parts, and target one clear action per clause.

• Read with intention. Before you publish or submit, read aloud. If it sounds clunky, you’ll likely find a smoother active alternative.

Closing thoughts: writing that speaks clearly, confidently

The formality of writing doesn’t demand stiffness; it asks for honesty, clarity, and a sense of purpose. The active voice is your natural ally in that mission. It helps your ideas land with immediacy and integrity, and it keeps the reader oriented toward what truly matters—the message you’re trying to convey.

If you’re navigating the English section of the Accuplacer or simply aiming to polish your professional writing, consider voice as a dial you can tune. Start with active, reserve passive for a specific reason, and always keep the reader in focus. After all, the best writing isn’t just correct; it’s considerate—inviting readers to see your point clearly, follow your logic, and come away with a solid understanding of your message.

Key takeaways

• Active voice is the go-to choice for formal writing because it’s direct, precise, and readable.

• Passive voice has its moments—usually when the actor is unknown or when the emphasis should be on the action or result.

• The most effective writing mixes both voices strategically, with a preference for the active form.

• A quick habit of spotting “to be” constructions and turning them into strong verbs can boost clarity in everyday writing.

If you remember one thing, let it be this: clarity beats ornate language every time. The sentence that says who did what, and does it with a clean, confident verb, is the sentence that sticks. And that’s the essence of strong formal writing—whether you’re drafting an essay, a report, or a thoughtful email.