The difference between active and passive voice primarily revolves around what aspect?

The difference between active and passive voice primarily revolves around what aspect?

• A. The type of subject used
• B. The emphasis on action versus the actor
• C. The clauses included in a sentence
• D. The number of verbs present

Answer: (B)

The distinction between active and passive voice is fundamentally about the emphasis placed within a sentence, specifically regarding the action itself versus the individual or entity performing that action. In active voice, the subject of the sentence performs the action, making it clear who is responsible for the action. For example, in "The cat chased the mouse," the subject "the cat" is highlighted as the actor performing the chase. In contrast, passive voice focuses on the action and the recipient of that action rather than the doer. For instance, "The mouse was chased by the cat" emphasizes the action being done to "the mouse" rather than on "the cat." This shift in focus can change the interpretation of a sentence and is often used to either minimize the actor's role or to highlight the action itself or its impact on the object. Therefore, the correct option underscores this vital concept of emphasis between the participant in the sentence and the action being conveyed. The other options—such as the type of subject, clauses in a sentence, or the number of verbs—do not capture this critical difference in focus between active and passive voice.

The distinction between active and passive voice is fundamentally about the emphasis placed within a sentence, specifically regarding the action itself versus the individual or entity performing that action. In active voice, the subject of the sentence performs the action, making it clear who is responsible for the action. For example, in "The cat chased the mouse," the subject "the cat" is highlighted as the actor performing the chase.

In contrast, passive voice focuses on the action and the recipient of that action rather than the doer. For instance, "The mouse was chased by the cat" emphasizes the action being done to "the mouse" rather than on "the cat." This shift in focus can change the interpretation of a sentence and is often used to either minimize the actor's role or to highlight the action itself or its impact on the object.

Therefore, the correct option underscores this vital concept of emphasis between the participant in the sentence and the action being conveyed. The other options—such as the type of subject, clauses in a sentence, or the number of verbs—do not capture this critical difference in focus between active and passive voice.