What does 'active voice' mean in writing?

• A. A sentence structure where the subject performs the action of the verb.
• B. A sentence where the subject receives the action.
• C. A sentence that uses passive voice exclusively.
• D. A sentence with no verbs.

Answer: (A)

Active voice means the subject performs the action of the verb. This makes sentences direct and clearer. For example, “The guard filed the report” shows the guard doing the action. In passive voice, the action is done to the subject, as in “The report was filed by the guard.” The description that the subject is the doer of the action matches active voice, which is why it’s the best choice. The idea that the subject receives the action describes passive voice, not active. The notion of a sentence with no verbs isn’t about voice at all, since voice requires a verb to express who is performing the action.