Passive voice

Definition

Passive voice is a grammatical construction where the subject of the sentence receives the action rather than performing it. This structure often emphasizes the action itself or the recipient of the action rather than the doer, which can shift focus in writing and speaking. It contrasts with active voice, where the subject performs the action, making the agent clear and often more engaging.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. In passive voice, sentences often include a form of 'to be' followed by a past participle, such as 'was written' or 'is completed'.
2. Passive voice can make writing seem less direct or weaker since it often obscures who is responsible for the action.
3. It is commonly used in formal writing, scientific contexts, or when the doer of the action is unknown or irrelevant.
4. Using passive voice can enhance focus on an important outcome or result rather than who achieved it.
5. Overusing passive voice can lead to vague writing; it’s generally better to balance between active and passive constructions for clarity.

Review Questions

• How does passive voice change the emphasis in a sentence compared to active voice?
  • Passive voice shifts emphasis from the doer of the action to the action itself or its recipient. For example, in 'The book was read by Maria,' the focus is on 'the book' and its reading, rather than on Maria, who performed the action. This change can be useful in contexts where the doer is less important than what happened or when trying to maintain an objective tone.
• Discuss why passive voice might be preferred in certain types of writing, like scientific reports.
  • Passive voice is often preferred in scientific writing because it promotes objectivity and focuses on results rather than individual researchers. Phrases like 'The experiment was conducted' emphasize the process and findings over who performed them. This helps maintain a neutral tone and allows readers to concentrate on data and conclusions without personal bias interfering.
• Evaluate how the choice between active and passive voice impacts clarity and engagement in effective communication.
  • Choosing between active and passive voice greatly influences clarity and engagement. Active voice typically makes sentences clearer and more dynamic because it directly attributes actions to subjects, creating stronger connections for readers. In contrast, passive voice can obscure meaning if overused, potentially leading to confusion. A well-rounded approach using both voices strategically can enhance communication effectiveness by adapting to context and purpose.

Related terms

Active voice: A grammatical structure where the subject of the sentence performs the action, making it clear who is responsible for what.

Subject: The noun or pronoun that performs the action in a sentence or receives the action when using passive voice.

Verb tense: The form of a verb that indicates the time of action or state of being, which is crucial in constructing both passive and active sentences.