ActiveVoiceInUiCopy [rule] v1.0.0

Write all UI labels, status messages, confirmations, and instructions in active voice with an explicit subject (user or system). Passive voice constructions are prohibited.

Severity

warning

Applies When

Writing any button label, status message, confirmation dialog, or instruction in a UI.

Verify By

Identify passive constructions ('will be saved', 'has been submitted', 'was deleted') and rewrite with an explicit active subject.

Anti Pattern

• 'Changes will be saved' → 'We'll save your changes'
• 'Form has been submitted' → 'Your form was submitted'
• 'File will be deleted' → 'Delete this file permanently?'

Use Instead

Active voice is shorter, clearer, and communicates who is doing what. 'Save changes' is unambiguous; 'Changes will be saved' raises the question of when and by whom.

ActiveVoiceInUiCopy [rule] v1.0.0

Write all UI labels, status messages, confirmations, and instructions in active voice with an explicit subject (user or system). Passive voice constructions are prohibited.

Severity

warning

Applies When

Writing any button label, status message, confirmation dialog, or instruction in a UI.

Verify By

Identify passive constructions ('will be saved', 'has been submitted', 'was deleted') and rewrite with an explicit active subject.

Anti Pattern

• 'Changes will be saved' → 'We'll save your changes'
• 'Form has been submitted' → 'Your form was submitted'
• 'File will be deleted' → 'Delete this file permanently?'

Use Instead

Active voice is shorter, clearer, and communicates who is doing what. 'Save changes' is unambiguous; 'Changes will be saved' raises the question of when and by whom.

Severity

warning

Applies When

Writing any button label, status message, confirmation dialog, or instruction in a UI.

Verify By

Identify passive constructions ('will be saved', 'has been submitted', 'was deleted') and rewrite with an explicit active subject.

Anti Pattern

• 'Changes will be saved' → 'We'll save your changes'
• 'Form has been submitted' → 'Your form was submitted'
• 'File will be deleted' → 'Delete this file permanently?'

Use Instead

Active voice is shorter, clearer, and communicates who is doing what. 'Save changes' is unambiguous; 'Changes will be saved' raises the question of when and by whom.