When is it appropriate to use the passive voice
it is never appropriate to use the passive voice
when the person or thing performing the action comes before the verb
when the person or thing performing the action is a proper noun
when the person or thing performing the action is an unimportant or unknown
so whars the answer
The appropriate use of passive voice depends on the context and the intended emphasis of the sentence. While it is generally recommended to use active voice for clarity and directness, there are situations where passive voice can be appropriate. These include:
1. When the focus is on the object or the action: Passive voice can be used to emphasize what is being done to the subject, rather than who is performing the action. For example: "The cake was eaten by the children."
2. When the subject or the performer of the action is unknown or unimportant: Passive voice can be used when the subject is not known or not relevant to the context. For example: "The car was stolen last night."
3. When the subject or the performer of the action is implied: Passive voice can be used when it is obvious who the performer of the action is, without explicitly stating it. For example: "The window was broken."
Remember that the overuse of passive voice can make writing appear weak or vague, so it's important to use it judiciously and consider the specific context of the sentence.
The appropriate use of the passive voice can vary depending on the context and the desired emphasis in a sentence. Here are a few instances where it is commonly appropriate to use the passive voice:
1. When the emphasis is placed on the action or the object rather than the subject performing the action. Example: "The cake was eaten by the children."
2. When the subject performing the action is unknown or unimportant. Example: "The window was broken last night."
3. When discussing a general truth or scientific fact. Example: "Water is composed of hydrogen and oxygen."
4. When discussing past events or historical narratives. Example: "The Declaration of Independence was signed in 1776."
It is important to note that the active voice is generally preferred in most types of writing as it tends to be more clear, direct, and engaging. But in certain situations, the passive voice can be appropriate and effectively used.
The decision to use the passive voice depends on various factors and the context of your writing. While it is true that some writing styles discourage the excessive use of the passive voice, there are situations where it can be appropriate to use it.
Here are some instances when it is considered appropriate to use the passive voice:
1. When the focus is on the object rather than the subject: Sometimes, you may want to emphasize the receiver of the action rather than the doer. For example, "The cake was baked by my sister" focuses on the cake rather than the sister.
2. When the doer is unknown or unimportant: If you do not know who performed the action, or if the doer is not relevant to the context, passive voice can be appropriate. For instance, "The car was stolen" does not specify who stole it.
3. When discussing general truths or habitual actions: Passive voice is commonly used in scientific or academic writing to express general truths or present common knowledge. For example, "The Earth is affected by gravity."
4. To soften the impact of negative news: In certain situations, the passive voice can be used to tactfully deliver unpleasant or sensitive information. For instance, "Mistakes were made" instead of directly stating who made the mistakes.
Remember, using the passive voice excessively can make your writing sound dull or obscure the clarity of your message. It's important to use it judiciously and consider the effect you want to achieve with your writing.