active
/ˈæktɪv/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈæktɪv/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈak-tiv/ (ame, mw) · /ˈæk.tɪv/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈæk.tɪv/ (ame, ipa)
active — adjective
1. busy doing many things, or full of movement and events.
busy doing many things, or full of movement and events.
Leah stays active all day, helping customers and unpacking boxes.
be active all day for a busy routine
The harbor is active before dawn, with boats leaving every hour.
active for a place full of movement
Our street becomes active every Friday when the night market opens.
Even at seventy, Mrs. Lin stays active, serving tea and wrapping orders.
文法句型
be active all day
be active before / during + time
用法筆記
Often used about people, places, or periods full of movement or tasks. Distinguish from sense 2, which is about taking part in a group or cause.
常見錯誤
2. taking part in something and doing things to help it happen.
taking part in something and doing things to help it happen.
Nina has been active in the parents' group since September.
active in + group
Several nurses were active in planning the free health fair.
active in + planning activity
After the flood, many students became active in local relief work.
Tom is active on the town council and speaks at meetings.
- uninvolved
not taking part in the activity or group
- passive
allowing things to happen without taking action
文法句型
be active in + group / cause
be active on + committee / council
用法筆記
Usually followed by 'in' or 'on' plus a group, project, or cause. Distinguish from sense 1: here the person is involved by choice, not simply busy.
常見錯誤
3. likely to erupt, or already sending out lava, ash, or gas.
likely to erupt, or already sending out lava, ash, or gas.
Scientists still call Mount Merapi an active volcano.
active volcano
Villagers moved farther away because the mountain is still active.
be still active
The map marks red triangles where active volcanoes stand.
Air crews watched the active volcano for ash clouds.
文法句型
active volcano
be active
用法筆記
Mostly used with 'volcano', though science writing also uses it after 'be'. Distinguish from sense 6, which means operating or still in use.
4. describing a verb, clause, or sentence where the subject does the action.
describing a verb, clause, or sentence where the subject does the action.
In "The dog chased the boy," the verb is active.
active verb in a sentence example
Most news reports sound more direct when the sentences are active.
active as opposite of passive
Our teacher changed the passive line into an active one.
Writers often choose active verbs for short safety instructions.
- direct
not a grammar label, but often describes the effect of active wording
- passive
grammar term for a structure where the subject receives the action
文法句型
active verb
active sentence
active voice
用法筆記
Used with words such as 'verb', 'voice', 'clause', and 'sentence'. Contrasts with 'passive', where the action happens to the subject.
常見錯誤
5. full of energy, quick to move, and ready to do things.
full of energy, quick to move, and ready to do things.
The new coach is active and never sits during practice.
active for energetic behaviour
At ninety, Grandpa stays active by walking to the park daily.
stay active
The toddler grew active after her afternoon nap.
Even in long meetings, Carla remains active and full of ideas.
文法句型
be active
stay active
用法筆記
Common with people, children, or animals, often after 'stay' or 'keep'. Distinguish from sense 1: this sense focuses on energy, not a full schedule.
6. working now, or still available for use.
working now, or still available for use.
Only two of the old computers are still active today.
be still active for equipment
This email address is no longer active, so messages bounce back.
active for accounts or contact details
The factory kept one production line active through the winter.
Check whether the museum pass is active before you enter.
文法句型
be active
keep + object + active
用法筆記
Common with machines, accounts, email addresses, cards, and production lines. Distinguish from sense 3: this sense is about working now, not about erupting.
常見錯誤
active — noun
1. the active voice, where the sentence subject carries out the action.
the active voice, where the sentence subject carries out the action.
In the active, the subject does the action directly.
the active as a grammar noun
Teachers often explain the active before introducing the passive.
the active ... the passive
This handbook uses the active in most warning signs.
Editors prefer the active because it sounds shorter and clearer.
- active voice
the full grammar term; much more common than the short noun 'the active'
- passive
short noun for the passive voice in grammar teaching
文法句型
the active
in the active
用法筆記
Used mainly in grammar teaching, usually after 'the'. It contrasts with 'the passive'.