When is it appropriate to use the passive voice?(1 point)

Responses

when the person or thing performing the action is a proper noun
when the person or thing performing the action is a proper noun

when the person or thing performing the action is unimportant or unknown
when the person or thing performing the action is unimportant or unknown

It is never 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 comes before the verb

The correct response is: "when the person or thing performing the action is unimportant or unknown."

The correct response is: when the person or thing performing the action is unimportant or unknown.

To determine when it is appropriate to use the passive voice, consider whether the focus is on the action being performed or the person or thing performing the action. The passive voice is used when the emphasis is on the action rather than the subject.

For example, consider the following sentence:
"The cake was baked by Mary."

In this sentence, the action of baking the cake is the main focus, rather than the person (Mary) who performed the action. This is why the passive voice is used.

However, it is important to note that the passive voice should be used sparingly, as it can make sentences less clear and direct. In most cases, it is better to use the active voice, where the subject performs the action.

To identify passive voice in a sentence, look for the use of "to be" verbs (e.g., is, was, were) combined with the past participle of the main verb.