when is it appropriate to use the passive voice?
The passive voice is appropriate to use in the following situations:
1. When the doer of the action is unknown or unimportant: If it is not necessary or relevant to mention who performed the action, the passive voice can be used. For example, "The car was stolen" does not focus on the thief, but rather on the fact that the car was stolen.
2. When the focus is on the receiver or the result of the action: When emphasizing the object or recipient of the action rather than the subject, the passive voice can be used. For instance, "The letter was received by Jane" shifts the focus to the letter being received by Jane rather than on Jane herself.
3. When discussing general truths or scientific processes: In scientific or technical writing, the passive voice is commonly used to describe processes, experiments, or observations. For example, "Water is heated to 100 degrees Celsius" states a general truth.
4. When the subject is obvious or implied: The passive voice can be used if the subject can be easily inferred from the context or preceding sentence. For instance, "The book was published in 1985" assumes the subject is probably the author or publisher.
5. When aiming to be tactful or diplomatic: In some situations, using the passive voice can soften the impact by avoiding direct accusation or blame. For instance, "Mistakes were made" is a more diplomatic way of acknowledging errors without specifically attributing them to someone.
However, it is important to note that using the passive voice excessively can make writing dull, indirect, or less engaging. It is generally preferable to use the active voice, as it is more direct and engaging.
The passive voice is appropriate to use in a variety of situations. Here are some instances when it is commonly used:
1. When the doer (or the subject of the sentence) is unknown or unimportant:
Example: "Mistakes were made." (Not specifying who made the mistakes.)
2. When the focus is on the receiver (or the object) of the action rather than the doer:
Example: "The cake was eaten." (Emphasizing the cake rather than the person who ate it.)
3. When discussing general truths or processes:
Example: "Water is boiled at 100 degrees Celsius." (Highlighting a fact rather than someone performing the action.)
4. When the doer has already been mentioned and it is unnecessary to repeat it:
Example: "The house was designed by an architect. It was built in 1990." (Avoiding repetition of the architect as the doer.)
5. When discussing scientific or academic writing, where objectivity is preferred:
Example: "The experiment was conducted to measure the effects." (Maintaining a neutral tone without mentioning the researcher.)
Remember, while the passive voice can be useful in these situations, it is generally recommended to use the active voice for conveying clear and direct communication.
To determine when it is appropriate to use the passive voice, let's first understand what the passive voice is.
In English, sentences are typically structured in the active voice, where the subject performs the action of the verb. However, in the passive voice, the subject receives the action instead of performing it. The passive voice is formed by using a form of the verb "to be" along with the past participle of the main verb.
Now, let's consider situations where it is appropriate to use the passive voice:
1. When the doer of the action is unknown or unimportant: If you don't know who performed the action or it is irrelevant to the message, using the passive voice can be suitable. For example: "The cake was eaten" (no mention of who ate it).
2. When you want to shift the focus onto the receiver of the action: Sometimes, you may want to emphasize the object or the recipient of the action rather than the doer. For instance: "The letter was delivered by the mailman" (emphasizing the letter rather than the mailman).
3. When discussing general or scientific truths: In scientific or technical writing, the passive voice is often used to maintain a sense of objectivity and present findings or conclusions. For example: "It is believed that..." or "Experiments have shown that..."
4. In formal or professional writing: Using the passive voice can add formality or objectivity to your writing. This is often preferred in academic, legal, or business contexts.
However, it's important to note that the active voice is generally preferred in most types of writing, as it is more direct, clear, and engaging. Active voice sentences are usually easier to read and understand. So, consider the context, purpose, and impact you want to achieve with your writing before using the passive voice.