Agreement of Voice: An Essential Guide for Writers and Editors

When it comes to effective communication, using the right tone and voice can make all the difference. In writing, the voice you choose can affect the overall tone and mood of your piece, making it more effective in conveying your message. However, using the right voice is not enough, writers must ensure that the agreement of voice is consistent throughout the text. In this article, we will explore the importance of agreement of voice, common types of voice and how to use them correctly.

What is the Agreement of Voice?

Agreement of voice refers to the consistency of the voice used in a sentence or a paragraph. In English, there are two primary voices: active and passive. Active voice is when the subject of the sentence performs the action while passive voice is when the subject receives the action. For instance, in the sentence “John loves Jane”, John is the subject while in the sentence “Jane is loved by John”, Jane is the subject.

When writing, it`s essential to maintain the agreement of voice throughout a text. Inconsistent use of voice can confuse the reader and change the meaning of a sentence. For example, switching from active to passive voice in the same paragraph can make the writing sound disjointed and difficult to understand. Therefore, it`s crucial to choose a voice and stick to it throughout the text to ensure clarity and effectiveness.

Types of Voice

Active voice: Active voice is the most common type of voice in writing. It is direct, concise, and easy to understand. When using active voice, the subject of the sentence performs the action. For example, “The dog chased the cat” is an example of active voice. In this sentence, the dog (the subject) performs the action (chasing the cat).

Passive voice: Passive voice is less common in writing than active voice. In passive voice, the subject receives the action. For example, “The cat was chased by the dog” is an example of passive voice. In this sentence, the cat (the subject) receives the action (being chased by the dog).

Using active voice is generally preferred as it tends to make the writing more engaging and the meaning clear. However, passive voice can be used in specific situations such as when the doer of the action is unknown or unimportant.

How to use Agreement of Voice?

Using agreement of voice correctly can greatly improve the clarity, effectiveness and coherence of your writing. Here are some tips on how to use agreement of voice effectively:

– Choose the appropriate voice for the text and stick to it throughout.

– Use active voice when possible, except when the doer of the action is unknown or unimportant.

– Be consistent in the tense of the sentence.

– Avoid changing the voice in the middle of the sentence or paragraph.

– Make sure the subject of the sentence is clear and properly positioned in the sentence.

In conclusion, agreement of voice is critical in writing. It helps to convey information clearly and effectively, making it easier for the reader to understand the intended message. Writers and editors should ensure that they use the appropriate voice and maintain consistency throughout the text. By following these guidelines, you can write an engaging, clear and effective piece of writing that leaves a lasting impression on your reader.