Strong, active verbs: Overview

As a rule, choose an active verb and pair it with a subject that names the person or thing doing the action. Active verbs express meaning more emphatically and vigorously than their weaker counterparts—forms of the verb be or verbs in the passive voice.

Verbs in the passive voice lack strength because their subjects receive the action instead of doing it. Forms of the verb be lack vigor because they convey no action.

Although passive verbs and the forms of be have legitimate uses, if an active verb can carry your meaning, use it.

Even among active verbs, some are more active—and therefore more vigorous and colorful—than others. Carefully selected verbs can energize a piece of writing.

Academic English: Passive voice

Exercise: Identifying active and passive voice

Exercise: Using active voice

Exercise: Active vs. passive voice

Exercise: Active vs. be verbs

Exercise: Using active verbs

verb forms Base form (walk, ride); past tense (walked, rode); past participle (walked, ridden); present participle (walking, riding); and -s form (walks, rides). The verb be has eight forms: be, am, is, are, was, were, being, been.