The active voice refers to a sentence format that emphasizes the doer of an action.Įxample: The authors conducted experiments on planetary gear trains. All sentences in English are either in the active voice or in the passive voice. So, which is preferable, the active or the passive voice?īefore we get to that, let’s understand the difference between these two kinds of construction. So, what should authors do? Should they depart from tradition and stop using the passive voice completely? Would using the active voice lend that scholarly tone to the article? Such questions keep bothering researchers when they write their papers. Traditionally, the passive voice was used in scientific writing, but in recent times, there has been a shift from this trend, with journals and editors increasingly showing a preference for the active voice. While some writers argue against the use of passive voice in academic writing, others claim it should be used liberally. passive voice? Please leave your comments and opinions below.The usage of active versus passive voice is often a source of confusion in scientific writing. In your writing, which do you choose when it comes to active vs. The key to writing with the right style is making deliberate choices.ĭo You Prefer Active or Passive Voice in Writing? Also, passive voice allows a writer to emphasize the action rather than the actor. For example, scientific writing often relies on passive voice to evoke a sense of subjectivity and authority.
Is Passive Voice Totally Off Limits?Īlthough seasoned writers usually prefer active voice, passive voice still has a place. Passive: The apartments were cared for by a property management company. Passive: Connor will be hit by a car if he isn’t careful. Passive: Your application must be completed by June 1st. Active: If you want to be a millionaire, start saving now. passive voice examples, the “to be” verbs are highlighted in red.Īctive: There were hundreds of kids running around. All passive voice sentences use “to be” verbs, but not all “to be” sentences are in passive voice. Have you ever heard that a square is a rectangle, but a rectangle is not always a square? Or that all puppies are dogs, but not all dogs are puppies? It is the same with passive voice. How Do the ‘To Be’ Verbs Play Into Active Vs. Passive: Gifts were given by all of the guests. Passive: Jason is passed by Chris.Īctive: Peter received gifts from all of his guests. Here are some simple examples of passive vs. With passive voice, the subject receives the action. With active voice, the subject performs the action. It is often much more engaging, and less pretentious than passive voice. Active voice facilitates clear and concise communication. If using passive voice has become a major part of your rhetorical strategy, there are several reasons to drop the habit. Sometimes that means sacrificing a little piece of what you consider your “unique style.” This includes your current view on active vs.
Once you start writing professionally, you commit to a different kind of accountability.įor instance, if you write for a content writing service like BKA Content, it is important to follow the company style guide, as well as any additional guidelines that the client requests. Not only do you choose your own topic, but you also have total creative control over everything that ends up on the page. When you write for pleasure, you have complete autonomy over your style.
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