Passive voice

Definition

Passive voice is a grammatical construction where the subject of the sentence receives the action rather than performs it. This structure often emphasizes the action itself or the recipient of the action instead of who or what is doing it, impacting how information is conveyed and understood in writing.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In passive voice constructions, the verb often includes a form of 'to be' followed by a past participle (e.g., 'was eaten').
2. Using passive voice can make sentences less direct and sometimes more formal, which can impact clarity and engagement with the reader.
3. The agent performing the action can be omitted in passive constructions, which can create ambiguity if not handled carefully.
4. Passive voice is frequently used in scientific writing and reports to emphasize results rather than the researcher, helping maintain objectivity.
5. Writers should use passive voice judiciously; overuse can lead to vague sentences and decrease reader interest.

Review Questions

• How does passive voice differ from active voice in terms of sentence structure and emphasis?
  • Passive voice differs from active voice primarily in who performs the action. In active voice, the subject performs the action (e.g., 'The cat chased the mouse'), placing emphasis on the doer. In contrast, passive voice focuses on the recipient of the action (e.g., 'The mouse was chased by the cat'), which shifts attention away from the subject. This difference influences how information is presented and perceived by readers.
• What are some advantages and disadvantages of using passive voice in writing?
  • Using passive voice has its advantages, such as creating a more formal tone and allowing writers to emphasize actions or results over agents. It can be beneficial in scientific or technical writing where objectivity is important. However, disadvantages include potential vagueness and reduced clarity, as well as creating distance between the reader and the content. Striking a balance between active and passive constructions is essential for effective communication.
• Evaluate how understanding passive voice can enhance one's ability to analyze texts critically and improve their own writing style.
  • Understanding passive voice allows readers and writers to analyze how sentences are structured and how meaning is conveyed. By recognizing when an author uses passive constructions, one can assess the emphasis placed on actions versus actors, revealing underlying intentions. Additionally, mastering both active and passive voices enables writers to choose appropriate styles for different contexts, ultimately improving clarity, engagement, and effectiveness in communication.

Related terms

Active voice: A grammatical structure in which the subject of the sentence performs the action, making it clear who is doing what.

Verb phrase: A combination of a main verb and its auxiliaries that together express action or state of being in a sentence.

Subject:

The part of a sentence that indicates who or what the sentence is about, usually performing the action in an active voice construction.