Explain the concept of active voice and its significance in business writing.

Active voice is a grammatical construction where the subject of a sentence performs the action expressed by the verb. In active voice, the subject is the "doer" of the action, which brings clarity and directness to the sentence. This is in contrast to passive voice, where the subject receives the action and the emphasis is placed on the object or the recipient of the action.

In business writing, using active voice is highly significant as it promotes clear and effective communication. Here are some key reasons why active voice is preferred in business writing:

1. Clarity and Directness: Active voice helps to convey information in a clear and straightforward manner. By placing the subject at the beginning of the sentence, active voice makes it immediately clear who is performing the action. This eliminates ambiguity and ensures that the intended message is easily understood by the reader. Active voice allows for more concise and precise sentences, making the writing more engaging and impactful.
2. Accountability and Responsibility: Active voice emphasizes the responsibility of the subject for the action performed. It promotes transparency and accountability in business communication. By clearly identifying who is taking action, active voice helps to establish ownership and accountability for decisions, actions, and outcomes. This can be particularly important in business writing where clarity of responsibility is crucial for effective decision-making and problem-solving.
3. Engaging and Dynamic Writing: Active voice brings energy and dynamism to the writing. It makes the sentence more engaging and captures the reader's attention. Active voice lends a sense of immediacy and action, making the writing more compelling and persuasive. In business writing, where the goal is often to convey information and influence the reader's perception or decision, active voice helps to create a sense of urgency and drive the message forward.
4. Conciseness and Efficiency: Active voice typically results in shorter and more concise sentences. By placing the subject at the forefront, active voice eliminates the need for unnecessary words and phrases. This enhances the efficiency of the writing, enabling the reader to grasp the message quickly and easily. In business writing, where time is often limited, using active voice allows for efficient communication of ideas, instructions, or proposals.
5. Professionalism and Confidence: Active voice is generally associated with a more professional and confident tone in writing. It conveys a sense of authority and assertiveness, which is important in business communication. By using active voice, the writer appears confident in their statements and demonstrates a command over the subject matter. This can enhance the writer's credibility and establish a professional image in the reader's mind.

In summary, active voice is significant in business writing due to its ability to promote clarity, accountability, engagement, conciseness, and professionalism. By using active voice, writers can ensure that their message is clear, their intentions are evident, and their writing is impactful. Mastering the use of active voice is a valuable skill in business communication and contributes to effective and influential writing.