Passive Voice: Guide for English Learners
The passive voice is a writing style often used in the English language, characterized by its focus on the action rather than the person or thing performing the action.
It is formed by using some form of the verb “to be” followed by the past participle of the main verb.
This construction can lend a sense of formality or distance to the text, and is frequently used in scientific writing or situations where the emphasis is on the result of an action rather than the actor.
Understanding the differences between active and passive voice is crucial for effective communication.
In active voice, the subject of the sentence performs the action, whereas in passive voice, the subject is acted upon by someone or something else.
Knowing how to identify and modify passive voice can help writers create more engaging and impactful prose.
Key Takeaways
- Passive voice shifts focus from the actor to the action
- It is important to recognize the differences between active and passive voice
- The choice of voice can greatly influence the clarity and impact of writing
Understanding Passive Voice
Definition
The passive voice is a grammatical construction in which the subject of a sentence receives the action of the verb, rather than performing it. In other words, the focus is on the action itself and its object, rather than on the person or thing performing the action.
In passive sentences, the subject typically follows the structure: “Object + verb + by + subject.” For example, in the sentence “The cake was baked by Jane,” the subject ‘Jane’ performs the action of baking the cake, but the focus is on the cake being baked.
Usage
Passive voice is often used in different contexts for specific purposes. Here are some common situations where passive voice is beneficial:
- Emphasize the action or object: When the action or the object of a sentence is more important or relevant than the subject, passive voice can be used to shift the focus to them. For example, “A new hospital was built in the town” emphasizes the construction of the hospital rather than the builder.
- Avoid assigning responsibility or blame: In some situations, it’s preferable to avoid pointing out who performed the action, especially if it involves mistakes or sensitive subjects. For example, “Mistakes were made” is often used to avoid mentioning who is responsible for the errors.
- Scientific writing: In scientific research, passive voice is commonly utilized to emphasize methodology, findings, and results rather than the researchers involved. This helps maintain objectivity and focus on the information presented.
While passive voice can be useful in certain cases, it is generally advised to use active voice when possible, as it makes sentences more direct, clear, and engaging.
However, understanding passive voice and its appropriate usage can enhance a writer’s versatility and allow for better communication in various contexts.
Differences Between Active and Passive Voice
In the English language, sentences can be written in two different voices: active voice and passive voice. These two voices differ in terms of the structure and focus of a sentence. This section discusses the key differences between active and passive voice in a concise manner.
Active voice is a sentence structure where the subject of the sentence performs the action expressed by the verb. This voice emphasizes the doer and their actions. Active voice sentences typically follow the Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) pattern. For example:
- The dog chased the cat.
- She baked a delicious cake.
In contrast, passive voice is a sentence structure where the subject receives the action expressed by the verb. Passive voice shifts the focus to the receiver of the action. Passive voice sentences usually follow the Subject-Verb-Prepositional phrase pattern, and often include the auxiliary verbs “be” or “being” and the past participle of the main verb. For example:
- The cat was chased by the dog.
- A delicious cake was baked by her.
The main differences between active and passive voice can be summarized as follows:
- Focus: Active voice emphasizes the performer of the action, while passive voice emphasizes the receiver of the action.
- Structure: Active voice sentences follow the Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) pattern, while passive voice sentences follow the Subject-Verb-Prepositional phrase pattern.
- Auxiliary verbs: Passive voice sentences often use auxiliary verbs such as “be” or “being” and the past participle of the main verb.
While both active and passive voice have their appropriate uses, active voice is generally preferred for its clarity and directness. However, passive voice can be effective when the receiver of the action is more important or when the performer of the action is unknown or unimportant.
How to Identify Passive Voice
Indicators
To identify the passive voice in a sentence, look for two main indicators: a form of to be auxiliary verb (am, is, are, was, were, being, or been) and a past participle (usually ending in -ed, -en, or -t).
In passive sentences, the subject is not the main performer of the action. If a sentence includes a by-phrase (e.g., by the cat), it often indicates the real performer of the action and may signify passive voice. However, not all sentences with a form of to be are passive, and some passive sentences don’t include a by-phrase.
Examples
Let’s examine some sentences to understand the passive voice better:
| Sentence | Passive Voice? | Identifier |
|---|---|---|
| The dog chased the cat. | No | Active voice, with the subject (dog) performing the action. |
| The cat was chased by the dog. | Yes | The form of to be (was) and the past participle (chased) indicates passive voice. |
| A mistake has been made. | Yes | The form of to be (has been) and the past participle (made) indicates passive voice. |
By understanding the indicators and analyzing examples, you can confidently identify passive voice in sentences.
Benefits of Using Passive Voice
Variety in Writing
Using passive voice can add variety to writing. By incorporating both active and passive structures, writers can create a more engaging and dynamic text.
This method prevents repetition and keeps the reader’s attention. Additionally, passive voice can help emphasize specific ideas or topics within a piece of writing, highlighting the author’s intention.
Focus on the Action or Object
In some cases, passive voice allows for a clearer focus on the action or the object. By placing emphasis on the event or the thing acted upon, rather than the doer, the passive voice can provide important information in a concise manner.
For instance, in scientific research, this structure is often used to present findings or report methods, as it emphasizes the process and results over the individual performing the action. This style can be particularly useful in technical or professional settings where the object or action is more relevant than the actor.
Furthermore, knowing when to use passive voice effectively can contribute to better understanding and communication, as it presents information in a clear and concise way without distracting the reader with unnecessary details.
Drawbacks of Using Passive Voice
Lack of Clarity
Passive voice can lead to sentences that are less clear and harder to understand. In passive constructions, the object of the action becomes the subject of the sentence, making it difficult to determine who is performing the action.
This ambiguity can make the text less engaging for readers, as it requires more effort to decode the intended meaning.
For example, compare these two sentences:
- Active: Sally baked the cake.
- Passive: The cake was baked by Sally.
The active sentence clearly shows that Sally is responsible for baking the cake, while the passive sentence takes more effort to reach the same conclusion. The overuse of passive voice can make a text less clear and more difficult to read.
Potential for Miscommunication
Passive voice can also lead to potential miscommunication, particularly when the agent of the action is not explicitly stated. This omission can create confusion for readers who may be left guessing the intended meaning, and it may even make the sentence feel incomplete.
Consider these examples:
- Passive with no agent: The announcement was made.
- Passive with an agent: The announcement was made by the CEO.
Without specifying the agent, the first sentence leaves readers wondering who made the announcement. Although sometimes the omission of the agent is intentional, it can create ambiguity that may not be suitable for certain types of content or communication.
Using passive voice can have negative effects on clarity and communication. These drawbacks should be considered when crafting written content, and writers should aim to strike a balance between active and passive voice to ensure the message remains clear, engaging, and easy to understand.
Changing Passive Voice to Active Voice
Steps
To change passive voice to active voice, follow these steps:
- Identify the passive verb: Look for a form of “to be” followed by a past participle (usually ending in -ed, -en, or -t).
- Find the agent: Identify who or what is performing the action. This is typically found after the word “by.”
- Rearrange the sentence: Place the agent before the verb and remove “by.”
- Adjust the verb: Change the passive verb to its active form.
For example, the passive sentence “The cake was eaten by the children” can be changed to active voice by following these steps:
- Identify the passive verb: “was eaten”
- Find the agent: “the children”
- Rearrange the sentence: “The children ate the cake”
- Adjust the verb: “ate” is already active
Practice
Here are some practice exercises to test your knowledge:
| Passive Voice | Active Voice |
|---|---|
| The car was washed by Tom. | Tom washed the car. |
| The book was read by the teacher. | The teacher read the book. |
Changing sentences from passive to active voice can make your writing clearer and more engaging. As you become more practiced, you’ll find it easier to identify and change passive constructions, making your writing more effective overall.
Passive Voice in Different Writing Contexts
Academic Writing
In academic writing, passive voice is often used to maintain formality and emphasize the action being performed rather than the person conducting it. It lends objectivity to the writing, especially when describing scientific processes and research results. For example:
- Active: The researchers conducted the experiment.
- Passive: The experiment was conducted.
However, excessive use of passive voice can lead to ambiguity and unclear statements. Striking a balance between active and passive voice is essential for clear communication.
Creative Writing
Creative writing generally favors active voice, as it usually creates a more engaging and immersive experience for readers. It helps to build a vivid, dynamic atmosphere and capture the reader’s interest. For example:
- Active: The sun set behind the mountains, casting long shadows.
- Passive: Long shadows were cast by the setting sun behind the mountains.
However, passive voice can be used to create a sense of detachment, ambiguity, or to focus on the action itself, rather than the character performing it.
Business Writing
In business writing, clarity and conciseness are of the utmost importance. Active voice is typically preferred, as it creates clear, direct sentences. However, passive voice can be used strategically in certain situations:
- When the receiver of the action is more important than the doer:
- Active: The manager rejected our proposal.
- Passive: Our proposal was rejected.
- When aiming to sound diplomatic or tactful, or to soften the tone:
- Active: You made a mistake in the report.
- Passive: A mistake was made in the report.
Journalistic Writing
Journalistic writing relies on accuracy and objectivity. While active voice is often used to create dynamic, easily digestible sentences, passive voice can be employed to emphasize key information or maintain a neutral tone:
- Active: A tornado destroyed the town.
- Passive: The town was destroyed by a tornado.
Writers should exercise caution when using passive voice in journalism, as it can lead to confusion or unintended bias if not used appropriately. A balance between active and passive voice is essential for clear, unbiased reporting.
