active

USAGE SUMMARY

The term "active" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is engaged in a particular activity or action or to describe something that is currently happening or affecting a situation. Example sentence: The club is looking for an active member to join them in their endeavor.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Lifestyle

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The third group had the condoms, the advice and the counselling, but the gel was a placebo, containing no active ingredient.In this section Davy Jones's lock-up Girls on top Dashed hopes An early Christmas present?

The Economist

But he made it clear that Britain must be an active player.

The Guardian

"When the UK plays an active leading role in Europe we can achieve enormous things which we simply could not on our own," Clarke said.

The Guardian

Inside the country, Fidesz has favoured the middle class, and especially the upper middle class, thereby building a core clientele of politically active supporters – while slashing benefits for the neediest (about a third of Hungarians live in poverty – don't be fooled by the glittering, EU-funded projects in the centre of Budapest).

The Guardian - Opinion

We divide them in two types: active communication tools and advanced poll tools.

The Guardian

They, along with other active groups in the yes campaign, such as the Radical Independence Campaign and Women for Independence, have transformed the political landscape in Scotland.

The Guardian

Other options for active visitors include snorkelling – try Deep Bay, where there is a 100-year-old wreck; diving at Cades Reef (jollydive.com); exploring old fortifications such as Fort Berkeley; and taking the ferry to neighbouring Barbuda to see the frigate bird colony, caves and pink-sand beaches.

The Guardian - Travel

In fact, active government, as well as being essential for economic success, is the only way of protecting the weak and redressing the balance of power between rich and poor.

The Guardian - Opinion

However such powers do not apply in the case of Nadir as the relevant legislation became active only in 1995 – five years after Polly Peck failed.

The Guardian - Business

And, since the bloodshed, support for France's robust defence strategy appears to have grown: according to an Ipsos poll in Le Monde last week, more than 50% of French people support foreign deployment, and 65% agree with active engagement in Syria against jihadism.

The Guardian

The Movement for Change might be small, but where it's active, it works.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as "active", consider the specific context. For physical activity, "active" is suitable, but for community involvement, terms like "engaged" or "involved" may be more precise.

Common error

Avoid using "active" as a generic term for anything in progress. Instead, choose words that reflect the specific type of activity, such as "functioning", "operational", or "engaged" depending on the situation.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "active" primarily functions to describe a state of being engaged in an action, process, or activity. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage. It is used to characterize entities that exert influence or undergo change, as demonstrated in many examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Lifestyle

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "active" is a versatile adjective used to describe something or someone that is engaged, functioning, or in progress. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and widely used across various contexts. While "active" is a common term, consider using synonyms like "engaged", "involved", or "dynamic" for more specific nuances. Remember to avoid vagueness and choose more precise language depending on the situation. The most frequent authoritative sources are The Guardian, The Economist and The New York Times.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

engaged

Implies involvement and participation, highlighting connection and attentiveness.

involved

Suggests being included or participating in an activity or situation, emphasizing contribution.

dynamic

Focuses on energy and progress, indicating liveliness and the capacity to change.

energetic

Emphasizes vigor and enthusiasm, indicating a high level of activity and vitality.

vigorous

Highlights strength and intensity, pointing to robust action or effort.

functioning

Focuses on operational status, indicating the ability to perform as intended.

operational

Similar to functioning, but more often applied to systems or organizations, denoting readiness and effectiveness.

participating

Directly indicates taking part in an activity, emphasizing collaboration and contribution.

in action

Emphasizes the state of performing or working, focusing on ongoing activity rather than inherent qualities.

working

Indicates the state of being employed or functioning properly, underscoring effectiveness and purpose.

FAQs

How can I use "active" in a sentence?

You can use "active" to describe someone who is participating or doing something, such as "an active member of the community." It can also describe something that is functioning or in progress, like "an active volcano".

What's the difference between "active" and "engaged"?

"Active" suggests general participation or operation, while "engaged" implies a deeper level of involvement and attentiveness. For example, an "active" user might browse a website, but an "engaged" user interacts with its content.

What can I say instead of "active" when referring to physical activity?

Consider using "vigorous", "energetic", or "dynamic" to emphasize the intensity and liveliness of the activity. The best choice depends on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Which is correct, "active participant" or "participating" participant?

"Active participant" is the more common and grammatically sound choice. "Participating" is redundant because a participant is already inherently involved in an activity.