Active and Passive Voice in Describing Floods: A Comparative Analysis

Floods are among the most significant natural disasters affecting millions of people and billions of dollars of property annually. By analyzing the usage of active and passive voice in describing these events, we can better understand their effects on different aspects. This article will take the Great Flood of the year 2023, caused by a powerful atmospheric river, as an example to illustrate the difference between these two voice types and how they emphasize different aspects of the flood.

Introduction

Active voice emphasizes the subject performing the action, while passive voice places emphasis on the object being acted upon. Both voices have their strengths and are commonly used in writing, providing different perspectives and focusing on different aspects of the story. Understanding and utilizing these techniques can enhance the effectiveness of the communication, making the description of events more engaging and impactful.

The Great Flood of 2023

Causes of the Flood

Active Voice: The river water gushed through the streets, causing widespread flooding. The intense rainfall last week had swollen the river to levels never seen before. Heavy winds pushed the water against the banks, further exacerbating the situation. Cars were tossed around as people tried to evacuate. Passive Voice: The water level had been rising all week, reaching dangerous levels and threatening homes and businesses. Streets were inundated as the river overflowed its banks. Wind gusts pushed against the riverbanks, causing further flooding.

Consequences of the Flood

Impact on People and Property

Active Voice: The flood destroyed crops in the fields, with farmers losing a significant portion of their harvest. Many animals were drowned as they were unable to escape the rising waters. Water-carried debris and pollution affected the remaining animals and wildlife. Emergency responders worked tirelessly to rescue those stranded in their homes. Passive Voice: Crops were destroyed as the floodwaters swept through the agricultural lands. Many animals were drowned, with the rising waters having a devastating effect on local wildlife. Debris and pollution carried by the water affected remaining livestock and wildlife. Emergency services responded to rescue those left stranded by the flood.

Economic Impact and Reconstruction

Active Voice: The damage to property and infrastructure was immense, with businesses closing and residents facing months of rebuilding. Insurance companies launched investigations to assess the impact of the flood. The city pumped water from the streets and initiated measures to prevent future flooding. Passive Voice: Property and infrastructure were significantly damaged by the flood, leading to lengthy periods of reconstruction. Investigations were undertaken by insurance companies to evaluate the total cost of the damage. Efforts were made by the city to pump water from the flooded areas and to develop strategies for future flood prevention.

Conclusion

Both active and passive voices serve unique purposes in the description of natural disasters like floods. Active voice creates a sense of immediacy and action, while passive voice emphasizes the effects on the environment and objects. Understanding the proper use of these techniques can enhance the clarity and impact of the descriptions, making them more engaging and informative for readers.