What distinguishes active voice from passive voice in writing?

Active voice is characterized by the subject of the sentence performing the action rather than receiving it. In active voice, the structure of the sentence clearly identifies who is doing what, making the writing more direct and dynamic. For example, in the sentence “The dog chased the cat,” the subject (the dog) is actively performing the action of chasing. This clarity and straightforwardness enhance the reader's engagement and understanding.

In contrast, passive voice shifts focus away from the subject performing the action, often leading to sentences where the action is received by the subject, such as “The cat was chased by the dog.” This construction can lead to ambiguity or a lack of immediacy in the writing. Therefore, the distinguishing feature of active voice—where the subject executes the action—enhances clarity and typically makes the writing more lively.