Write On!

• Publication year: 2023
• Citation: Vol. 46 No. 5 Pg. 58
• Pages: 58

Write On! Vol. 46 No. 5 Pg. 58 Wyoming Bar Journal October, 2023

Write On!

John Hiski Ridge

Simplifying Our Writing: Using Active Voice

This is the second in a series of articles about simplifying our writing. Here we are addressing the use of the active voice. 'The question should be asked, "Do we really need another article advocating active over passive voice?" Probably not. The information is out there, and in abundance. The problem isn't a lack of available information; the problem is that we frequently don't let the information affect our writing. We hear it, but we don't apply it.

This article is a reminder to pay attention to voice when we are editing our writing. Nothing more. But sometimes we need these reminders.

A Humorous Example

I have previously used this example because it illustrates quite well the need for active voice. Fans of Jack Nicholson will remember these lines from A Few Good Men:

Colonel Jessep: You want answers?

Lieutenant Kaffee: I think I'm entitled to them.

Jessep: You want answers?

Kaffee: I want the truth!

Jessep: You can't handle the truth!

Who among us hasn't daydreamed about quoting Jack's line in an advocacy setting because the dialogue is thrilling. But it is thrilling because it is simple, and it is simple because the writer used the active voice.

John Hiski Ridge is an attorney who resides in Ft. Collins, Colorado.

Now try to imagine...