Importance of active and passive voice?

Answer 1

The active voice is used when 'credit' for the action (of the sentence) is desired. Prosecutors, policemen, school teachers, defendants ratting out their co-conspirators use it.

The passive voice attempt to deny 'credit' for the action. Criminals, politicians, bored spouses use it.

Active Voice.

He, the defendant, that skinny little nerd over there in the yellow suit; he stole the cookie from the cookie jar!!!

Passive Voice.

Cookies were stolen from the cookie jar.

Another answer:

active voice: Lucy walks the dog.

In this sentence we are told the subject is Lucy ( who or what does the verb - Lucy walks)

passive voice: The dog was walked.

In this sentence we are not told who or what did the action. We can add 'by Lucy' at the end of the sentence but it is not necessary.

The dog was walked by Lucy.

The emphasis in the passive sentence is the object of the sentence.

Answer 2

Active voice is more direct, engaging, and clear because the subject of the sentence performs the action. It is generally preferred for writing that is concise and to the point. Passive voice can be useful when the focus is on the action or the receiver of the action rather than the doer, but it can make sentences wordy and less engaging.