Passive and Active Voice

When should you use the passive voice?

-Passive voice is used in scientific writing to draw attention to the results, instead of the individual researcher. -It can make more sense if the agent performing the action is unimportant or obvious

When should you avoid the passive voice?

-Passive voice results in vague or deceptive writing. -Passive voice can obscure the meaning of sentences. -Excessive use of passive voice can make your writing seem dry and boring.

P or A: Monkeys adore bananas.

Active

P or A: Tom wrote the paper.

Active

What is the active voice?

Active verb voice is the verb voice used when the subject performs the action of the verb. (To find the verb voice ask, "Is the subject doing something.") (Note: Linking verbs are state of being verbs and cannot be active or passive) (The tornado ravaged the storm.)

Turn this sentence to the active voice. The jacket was returned by Bruce.

Bruce returned the jacket.

Switching from Passive to Active Voice

Located the agent performing the action, usually found in the prepositional phrase starting with "by", make that your subject, and change your verb accordingly.

P or A: The brakes were slammed upon at the red light by Henry.

Passive

P or A:The petition for vegan meals is being considered.

Passive

What is the passive voice?

Passive voice is the verb voice used when the subject passively receives the action fo the verb. The verb uses a form of the helping verb to be. (To find the verb voice ask, "Is the subject doing something?) (Note: Linking verbs are state of being verbs and cannot be active or passive.) (The town was ravaged by the tornado.)

Turn this sentence to the active voice. The results will be presented at the conference.

The researchers will present the results at the conference.