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Understanding and Transforming ‘What is Done’ Into Active Voice

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Understanding the nuances between active and passive voice in English can often perplex even those experienced in writing and language. One common phrase that often causes confusion is 'what is done.' This article explores the context of this phrase and how to transform it into active voice.

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The Passive and Active Voices Explained

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Both passive and active voices serve distinct functions in English. Passive voice is used when the emphasis is on the action or the effect, rather than the subject performing the action. For example, 'The letter was written by Sarah' focuses on the action and its effect rather than the subject.

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Active voice, conversely, puts the subject of the sentence at the forefront, with the action or effect following. For instance, 'Sarah wrote the letter' clearly states who performed the action.

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The Phrase 'What is Done'

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The phrase 'what is done' can appear as either a question or part of a statement. When used as a question, it often asks for clarification on what action has taken place. For example:

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What is done?

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When used in a statement, it can imply that an action has already taken place and is now completed. For instance:

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What is done is done.

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Both of these uses can be transformed into active voice, providing a clearer sense of who performed the action.

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Transforming 'What is Done' to Active Voice

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To transform 'what is done' into active voice, we need to identify the subject of the sentence, the verb, and the object. Let's consider a few examples:

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Example 1: Simple Statement

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Original (passive voice): The deed is done.

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Transformation to active voice: Someone has done the deed.

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In this case, 'the deed' becomes the object, and 'someone' becomes the subject, performing the action 'has done.' While the passive version implies completion, the active version clearly indicates an occurrence of the deed.

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Example 2: Statement with a 'by' Clause

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Original (passive voice): The deed is done by Simon.

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Transformation to active voice: Simon has done the deed.

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Here, the original sentence assumes a known subject, Simon, and transforms it into active voice. The addition of 'by Simon' clarifies the active performer, making the sentence more direct and straightforward.

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When to Use Passive Voice

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It is often said to avoid passive voice, but in some contexts, it is actually beneficial for clarity and emphasis. The transformation of 'what is done' to active voice often removes any ambiguity, but sometimes it is necessary to keep the passive form to emphasize the action itself.

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For instance, in legal or technical writing, passive voice is often used to convey a neutral, formal tone, which can be crucial for maintaining objectivity and clarity.

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Linguistic Nuances and Flexibility

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Language is inherently flexible and can sometimes challenge our understanding. 'What is done' is a perfect example of this, as it combines both active and passive elements. While transforming 'what is done' to active voice eliminates the passive elements, it does not always capture the full meaning of the original statement.

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For example, 'The deed is done' implies a finality and completion of an action, which may not be fully conveyed by simply saying 'someone has done the deed.' The transformation should aim to best represent the intended meaning.

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Conclusion

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Transforming 'what is done' to active voice requires a clear understanding of the subject and the action. While this can simplify the sentence, it is crucial to preserve the original meaning and context. Language is a dynamic tool, and its proper use can greatly enhance clarity and communication.

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Remember, language is about more than just grammar rules—it is about effective communication. Use active voice where it improves clarity and passive voice where it emphasizes the action itself.