CHAPTER 9 Style and Clarity^189
sive verb is—a form of to be. What does the bookstore offer? A free book
program.
Clearer: The bookstore offers a free book program.Muddled: A survey was taken of the townspeople by the town council.Again, what is the buried subject? The town council. What is the action form of the
verb was taken?Took. What did the town council take? A survey.
If for some reason the writer does not want to emphasize the subject in the read-
er’s mind, then a passive or nonactive verb works very well. In the following sen-
tence, no one takes the blame for tabling the vote because the bill is the subject.
Notice the verb was, a form of to be:
The bill was tabled by a 3-to-1 vote.If you reread the previous improved sentences, you’ll see that eliminating passive or
nonactive verbs uncovers the subject and clarifi es the sentences.
Written Practice 9-1
Rewrite the each of the following sentences by using active verbs. The fi rst one is
done for you.
- This was the fi rst year that a profi t was realized by us.
This year we realized a profit for the first time. - Their approach was to play their strongest people at the beginning of
the game. - It is necessary to take a shopping list with you.
- Building your speed on the treadmill is the next step.
- The electric pen should be used to sign the documents.