A way of writing where the subject does the action ('you saved the file') rather than receiving it ('the file was saved'). It makes interface text shorter and clearer.
Synonyms
None recorded.
Related terms
In plain words
- writing where someone does the action, not has it done to them
Usage example
In active voice, 'we sent your email' beats 'your email has been sent'.
Don't confuse with…
- passive voicePassive voice hides who acts ('the form was submitted'); active voice names the doer, which is usually clearer in UI text.
Categories
- Content & UX writing