Passive voice is a style of writing where the subject of the sentence is acted upon by the verb, rather than performing the action. It is often used in formal writing or when the focus is on the action and not the doer. While passive voice can be effective in some cases, it is important to use it sparingly to ensure clarity and directness in your writing.
When using passive voice, the subject of the sentence becomes less prominent and the focus shifts to the action being performed. This can make the writing feel more impersonal or detached, which may not be suitable for all types of writing. It is important to be mindful of when and how to use passive voice to ensure that your message is communicated effectively.
Example of Passive Voice Writing
Passive Voice: The report was written by the marketing team.
In this sentence, the focus is on the action of writing the report, rather than on who performed the action. The marketing team is the subject that is being acted upon by the verb “written.” This can make the sentence feel less direct and may not provide as much clarity as using active voice.
Passive Voice: The decision was made by the committee.
Again, in this sentence, the focus is on the action of making the decision, rather than on who made the decision. The committee is the subject that is being acted upon by the verb “made.” This can create a sense of detachment and may not convey the message as effectively as using active voice.
Passive Voice: The project will be completed by the end of the week.
Here, the focus is on the action of completing the project, rather than on who will complete it. The project is the subject that is being acted upon by the verb “completed.” While passive voice can be useful in some cases, it is important to consider whether using it is the best choice for conveying your message clearly.
In conclusion, passive voice writing can be a useful tool in certain situations, but it should be used judiciously to ensure that your writing remains clear and direct. By being mindful of when and how to use passive voice, you can effectively communicate your message while maintaining the appropriate tone and style for your writing.