Active Vs Passive Voice Pizza

Scott Simon

less than a minute read

·

12-01-2025

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Let's face it, grammar can be a tough crust to crack. But what if we tackled the tricky topic of active versus passive voice with a delicious analogy? Think pizza. Yes, pizza.

Active Voice: The Pizzaiolo's Prowess

Active voice is all about directness. It's the pizzaiolo tossing the dough with flair, skillfully spreading the sauce, and expertly arranging the toppings. The subject of the sentence is performing the action.

Example:

• Active: The pizzaiolo made the pizza.

Here, the pizzaiolo (subject) is actively making (verb) the pizza (object). Clear, concise, and to the point – just like a perfect pizza slice.

Passive Voice: A Slice of Mystery

Passive voice, on the other hand, shifts the focus. It’s like discovering a delicious pizza, but without knowing who the chef is. The action is still happening, but the subject receives the action rather than performing it.

Example:

• Passive: The pizza was made by the pizzaiolo.

Notice the shift? The pizza (object) is now the subject, and the action ("was made") is done to it. While grammatically correct, it's less direct and engaging. It lacks the pizzazz of the active voice.

When to Use Passive Voice (Sparingly)

Now, before you banish passive voice to the culinary equivalent of the pizza box recycling bin, understand that it does have its place. Use it sparingly, and strategically:

• When the actor is unknown: "The pizza was left on the doorstep." (We don't know who left it.)
• When the actor is unimportant: "The dough was kneaded for ten minutes." (The process is the focus, not the person kneading.)
• To emphasize the receiver of the action: "The customer was delighted by the pizza." (The customer's experience is paramount.)

The Bottom Line: Aim for Active

In most cases, especially in writing aiming for clarity and impact, the active voice delivers. It's more direct, stronger, and simply more engaging for the reader. So next time you're crafting a sentence, remember your pizza analogy – aim for the active voice, and watch your writing rise to the occasion! Your readers will thank you for it.