In English, the choice between ‘increased’ and ‘was increased’ often depends on the context and the type of sentence you are using. Let’s break down the difference between the two forms, particularly in sentences like ‘My vocabulary increased’ and ‘My vocabulary was increased.’
1. ‘Increased’ vs. ‘Was Increased’ – Understanding the Difference
The key difference between ‘increased’ and ‘was increased’ lies in the sentence structure and whether the focus is on the subject or the action.
‘Increased’ is the past tense of the verb ‘increase’ and is used in active sentences where the subject of the sentence performs the action. For example, in the sentence ‘My vocabulary increased,’ the subject (vocabulary) is actively undergoing the change, making it an active construction.
2. Why ‘My Vocabulary Increased’ is Correct
‘My vocabulary increased’ is the correct sentence because it uses the active voice. The subject (my vocabulary) is performing the action of increasing. Active voice is often used to emphasize the subject’s action, and in this case, it correctly indicates that the vocabulary became larger over time through your efforts or experience.
In English, the active voice is typically more direct and concise, which is why this construction is usually preferred unless there’s a specific reason to use the passive voice.
3. When to Use ‘Was Increased’
‘My vocabulary was increased’ is in the passive voice. In passive voice constructions, the subject (my vocabulary) is acted upon by an unspecified agent. The passive form is used when the focus is on the action or the result, rather than who performed the action.
This construction might be used in specific contexts, such as when someone else (e.g., a teacher or system) is responsible for increasing your vocabulary. However, in this particular example, it sounds less natural unless there’s a clear context indicating that someone or something else caused the increase.
4. Summary: Choosing Between Active and Passive Voice
In most cases, especially when talking about personal growth or development like increasing your vocabulary, the active voice (‘My vocabulary increased’) is preferred. It is direct, simple, and places emphasis on the subject’s actions.
On the other hand, ‘was increased’ can be used in the passive voice, but it is more commonly used when the action is being done to the subject, and the agent performing the action is not specified. Therefore, ‘My vocabulary increased’ is the more natural and common choice in this context.
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