Passive constructions can dilute the power of a sentence by burying the verb and forcing the reader to search for the subject. " The structure typically involves a form of "to be" combined with a past participle, such as in "The budget was approved by the committee.
When Responsibility Is Unclear: Deciding Whether Passive Voice Is Appropriate
Practical Revision Techniques Identifying and adjusting voice requires a simple diagnostic check: look for forms of "to be" followed by a past participle. When to Use Passive Voice Strategically Strategic use of passive voice is not an error but a deliberate stylistic choice.
It is invaluable when the actor is unknown, irrelevant, or when the writer wishes to emphasize the action itself or the recipient of the action rather than the instigator. In active voice, the subject of the sentence performs the action, creating direct and energetic prose.
When Responsibility Is Unclear: Using Passive Voice Strategically
It creates a connection between the reader and the actor. The Mechanics of Active Voice Active voice follows a straightforward structure where the subject acts upon the object, resulting in concise and vigorous sentences.
More About Active versus passive voice
Looking at Active versus passive voice from another angle can help expand the discussion and give readers a second clear paragraph under the same section.
More perspective on Active versus passive voice can make the topic easier to follow by connecting earlier points with a few simple takeaways.
