I’ve written here before about the importance of writing in active voice. Simply, active voice makes your writing strong and more concise. This typically means writing in subject, verb, object format.
I loved this little quip, originally introduced to me by a former editor-in-chief.
If you can add “by zombies” to the end of a sentence, you are writing in passive voice.
Think about it.
She was eaten by zombies.
Zombies ate her.
You clearly can see the difference.
I encourage you to use zombies to make your writing more active. Read each sentence and make sure you’re not leaving room for zombies. I don’t think any of us want that!
KWAHVBiz says
SamPatue profkrg This seems on point: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AjcH2UmK1uo
gina valley says
That’s a great idea! I’ve been trying to figure out a simple way to explain that to my kids. This is perfect!
blackbetyy23 says
AlliPolin profkrg Kids in my group will LOVE this lesson!! : )
AlliPolin says
blackbetyy23 profkrg I absolutely love that too! Sharing with my kids 🙂
profkrg says
ProfessorAES Thank you!
advice_tn says
robertlreeves, nice article! #theneeds helps you discover great content tailored to your interests! Free at http://www.theneeds.com/p/iphone?c=twitter_try
PaladinJasonC says
MeghanMBiro profkrg haha, great tip (with just enough “what?” to catch anyone’s interest!)
profkrg says
PaladinJasonC MeghanMBiro Thanks to you both!
Tinu says
Handy tip!
profkrg says
Tinu Thanks so much!
marlelew says
Ha ha. I just love this idea. I’m going to start using it.
sjmc_BruceSmith says
emaginette profkrg I’ve used this in class before. It makes a dry topic amusing.
profkrg says
marlelew Please do!
BeckyGaylord says
Isn’t that a great trick to zap passive voice, FMCatalano? “…with zombies.” Loved that post! profkrg
Rick Allen Lippert says
Great idea! Consider it stolen.