Passive Voice Ghosted My Message —Here’s How I Took Control

Ever read something back and thought, Why does this feel flat? You had the idea. You made the point. But somehow, it still lacks punch.

Here’s the culprit nine times out of ten: passive voice. It’s sneaky. It shows up in “Mistakes were made” instead of “I made mistakes.” And just like that, your writing sounds vague, distant—like you’re sidestepping the spotlight.

Now flip the script.

With an active voice, your message becomes clear, direct, and impossible to ignore. You stop circling your point and start owning it. You say, “I launched the campaign,” not “The campaign was launched.” You create connection, confidence, and action.

In this guide, I’ll show you how to spot passive traps, rewrite them with impact, and turn your writing into a tool for clarity, trust, and persuasion.

It’s not about fluff. It’s about force. Let’s make your words work harder.

💡 Quick Definition:

In passive voice, the action happens to the subject.

Passive: “The form was filled out by the customer.”

Active: “The customer filled out the form.”

The passive version buries the action and the reader’s interest.

🚫 Why Passive Voice Falls Flat in Copywriting:

Would you like to move next into:

The tricky part? 

Passive voice often sounds “fine” until you read it out loud or look closer. 

It’s sneaky—especially if you’re used to writing in a formal or corporate tone.

Here’s how to catch it:

🔁 1. Identify the Real Subject

Ask: Who’s taking action here?

If your sentence focuses on what’s being done to something, flip it and put the “doer”
first.

Before:

❌ “The strategy was developed by our team.”

After:

✅ “Our team developed the strategy.”

⚡ 2. Make the Verb Stronger

Passive writing often hides behind weak or generic verbs. Replace them with clear,
active ones that spark momentum.

Before:

❌ “This tool is used to streamline workflows.”

After:

✅ “This tool streamlines your workflow.”

✂️ 3. Cut Unnecessary “To Be” Verbs

Sometimes all it takes is trimming the fluff.

Before:

❌ “Your message will be improved by using active voice.”

After:

✅ “Active voice sharpens your message.”

📣 4. Rewrite with the Reader in Mind

Make your reader the subject when possible. This creates a more engaging,
action-driven tone.

Before:

❌ “The service is recommended for anyone struggling with time management.”

After:

✅ “Struggling with time? This service helps you take control.”

Pro Tip:

Don’t obsess over cutting every single passive sentence. Sometimes passive voice is appropriate (e.g., scientific or technical writing). But in copywriting, your default should be active—it’s what keeps readers moving forward.

Here’s how transforming passive sentences into active ones can completely shift the tone, clarity, and impact of your copy.

📄 Sales Page Copy

Before (Passive):

❌ “Our software is used by businesses to increase efficiency.”

After (Active):

✅ “Businesses use our software to work smarter and get more done.”

✉️ Email Subject Line

Before (Passive):

❌ “Your invoice has been generated.”

After (Active):

✅ “We’ve generated your invoice—here’s what’s next.”

🧠 Lead Magnet Call-to-Action

Before (Passive):

❌ “This guide was created to help small business owners improve their messaging.”

After (Active):

✅ “Get the guide that helps small business owners improve their messaging fast.”

💬 Social Media Post

Before (Passive):

❌ “A new webinar will be hosted this Thursday.”

After (Active):

✅ “Join us live this Thursday for a brand-new webinar.”

🛍️ Product Description

Before (Passive):

❌ “The product is made from high-quality materials and was designed for comfort.”

After (Active):

✅ “We built this product with premium materials, so you stay comfortable all day.”

These rewrites aren’t just cleaner—they’re more confident, more persuasive, and more human. That’s the power of active voice.

Here’s a cheat sheet you can keep nearby anytime you’re editing copy, writing content, or crafting email.

🚨 Common Signs of Passive Voice

🔄  How to Flip It

Passive Phrase

“The form was submitted by the customer.”

“The project was delayed.”

“Mistakes were made.”

“The site is maintained by our team.”

“An update will be sent tomorrow.”

Active Rewrite

“The customer submitted the form.”

“We delayed the project.”

“We made mistakes.”

“Our team maintains the site.”

“We’ll send you an update tomorrow.”

💥  Power Verbs to Use Instead

Replace generic or passive verbs with sharper, more direct action words:

Keep this table near your draft while editing—it’s a quick way to catch weak copy before it goes live.

Passive voice isn’t just dull—it’s a drag on your credibility. Every vague sentence chips away at your message. Every passive phrase makes your writing easier to ignore.

But now you know better. And better writers take action.

Don’t just nod along—do something with this. 

In the next 10 minutes, open your latest draft and find five passive sentences. Rewrite them. Make the subject take action. Feel how your message sharpens.