LitWiki - User contributions [en]

What is the “passive voice”?

2005-04-21T17:06:44Z

Akeough:

Passive voice is when the subject does not perform an action. It is often confused with the active voice, where the subject actually does something.

'''(Example Active):''' The professor wrote a novel.

The subject (professor) performs an action (wrote) which produces the object (novel). In the passive voice, the order of the sentence is reversed so that the sentence merely describes.

'''(Example Passive):''' The novel was written by the professor.

== Recognizing the Passive Voice ==

Recognize a passive construction by some form of the '''“be”'''(be, am, is, are, was, were, being,been) verb that proceeds a past participle (written), followed by a prepositional phrase (by the professor).

== Avoiding the Passive Voice ==

*A problem with forms of '''be''' is they, as Diana Hacker states in her book ''A Writer's Reference'', "lack vigor because they convey no action" (Hacker 128).

*Another problem with passive voice is it is often wordy and less concise than active voice.

*'''Wordiness''', can cause a reader to become confused and/or lose interest in the material (OWL).

== Using the Passive Voice ==

* Passive voice can be used in technical or scientific writing.

* Passive voice can be used when what is doing the action is unknown or already well defined.

* Passive voice can be used when what is recieveing the action (or the product of the action) is more important than what is doing the action.

'''(Example Active):'''
Scientists discovered a cure for cancer.

'''(Example Passive):'''
The cure for cancer was discovered by scientists.

In these two examples, it is the product of the action that is needing to be emphasized, which makes passive voice a better choice for the sentence.

* Constantly using active voice can cause a paper to sound choppy. Passive voice can be used as a transition between active voice sentences to make the sentence flow better (Active).

''(Note: Be selective about when and how passive voice is used)''

== Progressive Tense ==

'''Progressive tense''' is another type of passive construction. It occurs when you use a be verb with an the -ing form of the verb to show that action continues and is not fixed to a certain point in time.

'''Example:'''
*She is talking with Henry.
*They were eating pizza.
*She has been reading the latest Harry Potter novel.

The '''progressive''' tense is often used without thinking, but should only be used sparingly. More often than not the real verb should be used, eliminating the need for the be verb (passive) at all:

'''Example:'''
*She talks with Henry daily.
*They ate pizza last night.
*She reads the latest Harry Potter novel every night before bed.

'''Notice''' that when you eliminate the '''progressive''' tense, you must supply a specific time for the sentence to make sense.

''(Note:Like the passive voice, use the '''progressive''' tense sparingly and strategically for specific rhetorical effect. Try to eliminate all unnecessary uses of the be verb.)''

== Works Cited ==

* "Active vs. Passive Sentences." 2002. Academic center and the University of Houston Victoria. 22 Feb 2005 <[http://www.uhv.edu.ac/grammar/active.html Active vs.Passive Sentences]>.
* Hacker, Diana. ''A Writer's Reference''. Boston: Bedford/St.Martin's, 2003.
* OWL.2000. Purdue University. 22 FEB 2005 <[http://owl.english.purdue.edu/hadnouts/grammar/g_actpass.html OWL]>.

----

[[Composition FAQ]]
[[Category:Composition|Voice]]

What is the “passive voice”?

2005-04-11T12:55:47Z

Akeough:

Passive voice is when the subject does not perform an action. It is often confused with the active voice, where the subject actually does something. For example:

:'''(Active Voice)''' The professor wrote a novel.

The subject (professor) performs an action (wrote) which produces the object (novel). In the passive voice, the order of the sentence is reversed so that the sentence merely describes:

:'''(Passive Voice)''' The novel was written by the professor.

== Recognizing the Passive Voice ==

Recognize a passive construction by some form of the '''“be”''' (was) verb that proceeds a past participle (written), followed by a prepositional phrase (by the professor).

Diana Hacker states in her book, ''A Writer's Reference'', "forms of ''''be'''' '''(be, am, is, are, was, were, being, been)''', lack vigor because they convey no action" (128).

Another problem with passive voice is it is often wordy and less concise than active voice.

* '''Wordiness''', can cause a reader to become confused and/or lose interest in the material (OWL).

== When To Use Passive Voice ==

* Passive voice can be used in technical or scientific writing.

* Passive voice can be used when what is doing the action is unknown or already well defined.

* Passive voice can be used when what is recieveing the action (or the product of the action) is more important than what is doing the action.

'''(Example: Active)'''
Scientists discovered a cure for cancer.

'''(Example: Passive)'''
The cure for cancer was discovered by scientists.

In these two examples, it is the product of the action that is needing to be emphasized, which makes passive voice a better choice for the sentence.

* Constantly using active voice can cause a paper to sound choppy. Passive voice can be used as a transition between active voice sentences to make the sentence flow better (Active).

'''(Note: Be selective about when and how passive voice is used)'''

== Progressive Tense ==

'''Progressive tense''' is another type of passive construction. It occurs when you use a be verb with an the -ing form of the verb to show that action continues and is not fixed to a certain point in time.

'''For example:'''
She is talking with Henry.
They were eating pizza.
She has been reading the latest Harry Potter novel.

The '''progressive''' tense is often used without thinking, but should only be used sparingly. More often than not the real verb should be used, eliminating the need for the be verb (passive) at all:

'''Example'''
She talks with Henry daily.
They ate pizza last night.
She reads the latest Harry Potter novel every night before bed.

Notice that when you eliminate the '''progressive''' tense, you must supply a specific time for the sentence to make sense.

Like the passive voice, use the '''progressive''' tense sparingly and strategically for specific rhetorical effect. Try to eliminate all unnecessary uses of the be verb.

== Works Cited ==

* "Active vs. Passive Sentences." 2002. Academic center and the University of Houston Victoria. 22 Feb 2005 <[http://www.uhv.edu.ac/grammar/active.html Active vs.Passive Sentences]>.
* Hacker, Diana. ''A Writer's Reference''. Boston: Bedford/St.Martin's, 2003.
* OWL.2000. Purdue University. 22 FEB 2005 <[http://owl.english.purdue.edu/hadnouts/grammar/g_actpass.html OWL]>.

----

[[Composition FAQ]]
[[Category:Composition|Voice]]

What is “redundancy”?

2005-04-05T17:42:09Z

Akeough:

== Introduction ==

" A sentence should contain no unnecessary words, a paragraph no unnecessary sentences, for the same reason that a drawing should have no unnecessary lines and a machine no unnecessary parts. This requires not that the writer make all his sentences short, or that he avoid all detail, but that every word tells. If a writer fails to do this his paper may suffer from redundancy"(Grammar).

;;Redundancy

Redundancy causes wordiness by,
*using unneccessary repetitions,
*saying the samething twice,
*using unnecessary words,
and
*using empty clauses and phrases

== Avoiding Redundancy ==

;; Unneccessary Repetitions
"Writers often repeat certain lines or words in their writing to captivate the reader or just for an effect; however, these repetitions may seem awkward if there is a more concise version"(Hacker,125).
"If the writer can get an effect from the reader with fewer words, the writer should" (Hodges312).

'''Example''' 1:
''Incorrect:'' Our fifth patient, in room six, is a mentally ill patient.
''Correct:'' Our fifth patient, in room six, is mentally ill.

'''Example''' 2:
''Incorrect:'' The best teachers help each student to become a better student both academically and emotionally.
''Correct:'' The best teachers help each student grow both academically and emotionally.

;; Saying the Same Thing Twice
Restating a key point in different words can help the reader understand it; however, there is no need to rephrase readily understood terms. It is redundant(Hodge312)..
For example the writer should not use words with the same meaning or connotation:
''cooperate together''
''close proximity''
''basic essentials''
or
''true fact, and etc.....''
;; Wordy Sentences
"A wordy sentence is a sentence composed of unneccessary words in attempt to convey its meaning.
When one word will do the job of several words in a sentence, the writer should use the one word"(OWL).

'''Example'''
''Incorrect:'' There well always be a person or group who will test the legislature and publish libelous statements as long as they can until they are caught.

''Eliminating "there" and "be" and putting the subject and verb in their proper place will make the sentence more concise.''

''Better:'' People will always test the legislature and publish libelous statements as long as they can until they are caught.

''Better, but there remains a repetition of the word "they." Get rid of the repetition.''

''Correct:'' People test the legislature by publishing libelous statements as long as they can.(OWL)

;;Empty Clausing and Phrases

"An empty clause is one that can be reduced to a phrase, and an empty phrase is one that can be reduced to a simply phrase or a single word (Grammar)".
''Phrases to Avoid:''
in my opinion,
in today's society, and etc....

== Work Cited ==
*Hacker, Diana. A writer's Reference. New York:Bedford/St.Martin's 2003
*Hodge, John C.. Hodges' Harbrace Handbook. 5th Edition. United States of America: Handle, a part of the Thomson Corporation. 2004
*Macon State College. Tutorial. Eliminating Wordiness.2005 <http://tutorials.maconstate.edu/owl/wp/wp40.asp>
*Darling, Professor Charles.Concise Grammar. Capital Community College. <http://www.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/concise.htm>

What is “redundancy”?

2005-04-05T17:28:48Z

Akeough:

== Introduction ==

" A sentence should contain no unnecessary words, a paragraph no unnecessary sentences, for the same reason that a drawing should have no unnecessary lines and a machine no unnecessary parts. This requires not that the writer make all his sentences short, or that he avoid all detail, but that every word tells. If a writer fails to do this his paper may suffer from redundancy"(Grammar).

;;Redundancy

Redundancy causes wordiness by,
*using unneccessary repetitions,
*saying the samething twice,
*using unnecessary words,
and
*using empty clauses and phrases

== Avoiding Redundancy ==

;; Unneccessary Repetitions
"Writers often repeat certain lines or words in their writing to captivate the reader or just for an effect; however, these repetitions may seem awkward if there is a more concise version"(Hacker,125).
"If the writer can get an effect from the reader with fewer words, the writer should" (Hodges312).

'''Example''' 1:
''incorrect'' Our fifth patient, in room six, is a mentally ill patient.
''correct'' Our fifth patient, in room six, is mentally ill.

'''Example''' 2:
''incorrect'' The best teachers help each student to become a better student both academically and emotionally.
''correct'' The best teachers help each student grow both academically and emotionally.

"The above repetitions should be avoided" (Hacker,125).

;; Saying the Same Thing Twice
Restating a key point in different words can help the reader understand it; however, there is no need to rephrase readily understood terms. It is redundant(Hodge312)..
For example the writer should not use words with the same meaning or connotation:
''cooperate together''
''close proximity''
''basic essentials''
or
''true fact, and etc.....''
;; Wordy Sentences
"A wordy sentence is a sentence composed of unneccessary words in attempt to convey its meaning.
When one word will do the job of several words in a sentence, the writer should use the one word"(OWL).

'''Example'''
''incorrect'' There well always be a person or group who will test the legislature and publish libelous statements as long as they can until they are caught.

''Eliminating "there" and "be" and putting the subject and verb in their proper place will make the sentence more concise.''

''better'' People will always test the legislature and publish libelous statements as long as they can until they are caught.

''Better, but there remains a repetition of the word "they." Get rid of the repetition.''

''correct'' People test the legislature by publishing libelous statements as long as they can.(OWL)

;;Empty Clausing and Phrases

"An empty clause is one that can be reduced to a phrase, and an empty phrase is one that can be reduced to a simply phrase or a single word (Grammar)".
''Phrases to Avoid''
Example in my opinion,
in today's society, and etc....

== Work Cited ==
*Hacker, Diana. A writer's Reference. New York:Bedford/St.Martin's 2003
*Hodge, John C.. Hodges' Harbrace Handbook. 5th Edition. United States of America: Handle, a part of the Thomson Corporation. 2004
*Macon State College. Tutorial. Eliminating Wordiness.2005 <http://tutorials.maconstate.edu/owl/wp/wp40.asp>
*Darling, Professor Charles.Concise Grammar. Capital Community College. <http://www.ccc.commnet.edu/grammar/concise.htm>

What is the “passive voice”?

2005-03-28T23:27:31Z

Akeough:

'''== What is Passive Voice? =='''

Passive voice is when the subject does not perform an action, like in an active sentence. In the active voice, the subject does something:

The professor wrote a novel.

The subject (professor) performs an action (wrote) which produces the object (novel). In the passive voice, the order of the sentence is reversed so that the sentence merely describes:

The novel was written by the professor.

Recognize a passive construction by some form of the '''“be”''' (was) verb that proceeds a past participle (written), followed by a prepositional phrase (by the professor).

Diana Hacker states in her book, ''A Writer's Reference'', "forms of ''''be'''' '''(be, am, is, are, was, were, being, been)''', lack vigor because they convey no action" (128).

Another problem with passive voice is it is often wordy and less concise than active voice.

* '''Wordiness''', can cause a reader to become confused and/or lose interest in the material (OWL).

'''==When To Use Passive Voice=='''

* Passive voice can be used in technical or scientific writing.

* Passive voice can be used when what is doing the action is unknown or already well defined.

* Passive voice can be used when what is recieveing the action (or the product of the action) is more important than what is doing the action.

Example: Active
Scientists discovered a cure for cancer.

Example: Passive
The cure for cancer was discovered by scientists.

In these two examples, it is the product of the action that is needing to be emphasized, which makes passive voice a better choice for the sentence.

* Constantly using active voice can cause a paper to sound choppy. Passive voice can be used as a transition between active voice sentences to make the sentence flow better (Active).

(Note: Be selective about when and how passive voice is used)

'''== Progressive Tense =='''

'''Progressive tense''' is another type of passive construction. It occurs when you use a be verb with an the -ing form of the verb to show that action continues and is not fixed to a certain point in time. For example:

She is talking with Henry.
They were eating pizza.
She has been reading the latest Harry Potter novel.

The '''progressive''' tense is often used without thinking, but should only be used sparingly. More often than not the real verb should be used, eliminating the need for the be verb (passive) at all:

She talks with Henry daily.
They ate pizza last night.
She reads the latest Harry Potter novel every night before bed.

Notice that when you eliminate the '''progressive''' tense, you must supply a specific time for the sentence to make sense.

Like the passive voice, use the '''progressive''' tense sparingly and strategically for specific rhetorical effect. Try to eliminate all unnecessary uses of the be verb.

== Works Cited ==

* "Active vs. Passive Sentences." 2002. Academic center and the University of Houston Victoria. 22 Feb 2005 <[http://www.uhv.edu.ac/grammar/active.html Active vs.Passive Sentences]>.

* Hacker, Diana. ''A Writer's Reference''. Boston: Bedford/St.Martin's, 2003.

* OWL.2000. Purdue University. 22 FEB 2005 <[http://owl.english.purdue.edu/hadnouts/grammar/g_actpass.html OWL]>.

----

[[Composition FAQ]]
[[Category:Composition|Voice]]

What is the “passive voice”?

2005-03-28T23:25:59Z

Akeough:

'''== What is Passive Voice?=='''

Passive voice is when the subject does not perform an action, like in an active sentence. In the active voice, the subject does something:

The professor wrote a novel.

The subject (professor) performs an action (wrote) which produces the object (novel). In the passive voice, the order of the sentence is reversed so that the sentence merely describes:

The novel was written by the professor.

Recognize a passive construction by some form of the '''“be”''' (was) verb that proceeds a past participle (written), followed by a prepositional phrase (by the professor).

Diana Hacker states in her book, ''A Writer's Reference'', "forms of ''''be'''' '''(be, am, is, are, was, were, being, been)''', lack vigor because they convey no action" (128).

Another problem with passive voice is it is often wordy and less concise than active voice.

* '''Wordiness''', can cause a reader to become confused and/or lose interest in the material (OWL).

'''==When To Use Passive Voice=='''

* Passive voice can be used in technical or scientific writing.

* Passive voice can be used when what is doing the action is unknown or already well defined.

* Passive voice can be used when what is recieveing the action (or the product of the action) is more important than what is doing the action.

Example: Active
Scientists discovered a cure for cancer.

Example: Passive
The cure for cancer was discovered by scientists.

In these two examples, it is the product of the action that is needing to be emphasized, which makes passive voice a better choice for the sentence.

* Constantly using active voice can cause a paper to sound choppy. Passive voice can be used as a transition between active voice sentences to make the sentence flow better (Active).

(Note: Be selective about when and how passive voice is used)

'''== Progressive Tense =='''

'''Progressive tense''' is another type of passive construction. It occurs when you use a be verb with an the -ing form of the verb to show that action continues and is not fixed to a certain point in time. For example:

She is talking with Henry.
They were eating pizza.
She has been reading the latest Harry Potter novel.

The '''progressive''' tense is often used without thinking, but should only be used sparingly. More often than not the real verb should be used, eliminating the need for the be verb (passive) at all:

She talks with Henry daily.
They ate pizza last night.
She reads the latest Harry Potter novel every night before bed.

Notice that when you eliminate the '''progressive''' tense, you must supply a specific time for the sentence to make sense.

Like the passive voice, use the '''progressive''' tense sparingly and strategically for specific rhetorical effect. Try to eliminate all unnecessary uses of the be verb.

== Works Cited ==

* "Active vs. Passive Sentences." 2002. Academic center and the University of Houston Victoria. 22 Feb 2005 <[http://www.uhv.edu.ac/grammar/active.html Active vs.Passive Sentences]>.

* Hacker, Diana. ''A Writer's Reference''. Boston: Bedford/St.Martin's, 2003.

* OWL.2000. Purdue University. 22 FEB 2005 <[http://owl.english.purdue.edu/hadnouts/grammar/g_actpass.html OWL]>.

----

[[Composition FAQ]]
[[Category:Composition|Voice]]

What is the “passive voice”?

2005-03-28T23:24:55Z

Akeough:

'''== What is Passive Voice?=='''

Passive voice is when the subject does not perform an action, like in an active sentence. In the active voice, the subject does something:

The professor wrote a novel.

The subject (professor) performs an action (wrote) which produces the object (novel). In the passive voice, the order of the sentence is reversed so that the sentence merely describes:

The novel was written by the professor.

Recognize a passive construction by some form of the '''“be”''' (was) verb that proceeds a past participle (written), followed by a prepositional phrase (by the professor).

Diana Hacker states in her book, ''A Writer's Reference'', "forms of ''''be'''' '''(be, am, is, are, was, were, being, been)''', lack vigor because they convey no action" (128).

Another problem with passive voice is it is often wordy and less concise than active voice.

* '''Wordiness''', can cause a reader to become confused and/or lose interest in the material (OWL).

'''==When To Use Passive Voice=='''

* Passive voice can be used in technical or scientific writing.

* Passive voice can be used when what is doing the action is unknown or already well defined.

* Passive voice can be used when what is recieveing the action (or the product of the action) is more important than what is doing the action.

Example: Active
Scientists discovered a cure for cancer.

Example: Passive
The cure for cancer was discovered by scientists.

In these two examples, it is the product of the action that is needing to be emphasized, which makes passive voice a better choice for the sentence.

* Constantly using active voice can cause a paper to sound choppy. Passive voice can be used as a transition between active voice sentences to make the sentence flow better (Active).

(Note: Be selective about when and how passive voice is used)

'''== Progressive Tense =='''

Progressive tense is another type of passive construction. It occurs when you use a be verb with an the -ing form of the verb to show that action continues and is not fixed to a certain point in time. For example:

She is talking with Henry.
They were eating pizza.
She has been reading the latest Harry Potter novel.

The progressive tense is often used without thinking, but should only be used sparingly. More often than not the real verb should be used, eliminating the need for the be verb (passive) at all:

She talks with Henry daily.
They ate pizza last night.
She reads the latest Harry Potter novel every night before bed.

Notice that when you eliminate the progressive tense, you must supply a specific time for the sentence to make sense.

Like the passive voice, use the progressive tense sparingly and strategically for specific rhetorical effect. Try to eliminate all unnecessary uses of the be verb.

== Works Cited ==

* "Active vs. Passive Sentences." 2002. Academic center and the University of Houston Victoria. 22 Feb 2005 <[http://www.uhv.edu.ac/grammar/active.html Active vs.Passive Sentences]>.

* Hacker, Diana. ''A Writer's Reference''. Boston: Bedford/St.Martin's, 2003.

* OWL.2000. Purdue University. 22 FEB 2005 <[http://owl.english.purdue.edu/hadnouts/grammar/g_actpass.html OWL]>.

----

[[Composition FAQ]]
[[Category:Composition|Voice]]

What is the “passive voice”?

2005-03-28T23:23:57Z

Akeough:

'''== What is Passive Voice?=='''

Passive voice is when the subject does not perform an action, like in an active sentence. In the active voice, the subject does something:

The professor wrote a novel.

The subject (professor) performs an action (wrote) which produces the object (novel). In the passive voice, the order of the sentence is reversed so that the sentence merely describes:

The novel was written by the professor.

Recognize a passive construction by some form of the '''“be”''' (was) verb that proceeds a past participle (written), followed by a prepositional phrase (by the professor).

Diana Hacker states in her book, ''A Writer's Reference'', "forms of ''''be'''' '''(be, am, is, are, was, were, being, been)''', lack vigor because they convey no action" (128).

Another problem with passive voice is it is often wordy and less concise than active voice.

* '''Wordiness''', can cause a reader to become confused and/or lose interest in the material (OWL).

'''==When To Use Passive Voice=='''

* Passive voice can be used in technical or scientific writing.

* Passive voice can be used when what is doing the action is unknown or already well defined.

* Passive voice can be used when what is recieveing the action (or the product of the action) is more important than what is doing the action.

Example: Active
Scientists discovered a cure for cancer.

Example: Passive
The cure for cancer was discovered by scientists.

In these two examples, it is the product of the action that is needing to be emphasized, which makes passive voice a better choice for the sentence.

* Constantly using active voice can cause a paper to sound choppy. Passive voice can be used as a transition between active voice sentences to make the sentence flow better (Active).

(Note: Be selective about when and how passive voice is used)

'''== Progressive Tense =='''

Progressive tense is another type of passive construction. It occurs when you use a be verb with an the -ing form of the verb to show that action continues and is not fixed to a certain point in time. For example:

: She is talking with Henry.
: They were eating pizza.
: She has been reading the latest Harry Potter novel.

The progressive tense is often used without thinking, but should only be used sparingly. More often than not the real verb should be used, eliminating the need for the be verb (passive) at all:

: She talks with Henry daily.
: They ate pizza last night.
: She reads the latest Harry Potter novel every night before bed.

Notice that when you eliminate the progressive tense, you must supply a specific time for the sentence to make sense.

Like the passive voice, use the progressive tense sparingly and strategically for specific rhetorical effect. Try to eliminate all unnecessary uses of the be verb.

== Works Cited ==

* "Active vs. Passive Sentences." 2002. Academic center and the University of Houston Victoria. 22 Feb 2005 <[http://www.uhv.edu.ac/grammar/active.html Active vs.Passive Sentences]>.

* Hacker, Diana. ''A Writer's Reference''. Boston: Bedford/St.Martin's, 2003.

* OWL.2000. Purdue University. 22 FEB 2005 <[http://owl.english.purdue.edu/hadnouts/grammar/g_actpass.html OWL]>.

----

[[Composition FAQ]]
[[Category:Composition|Voice]]

What is the “passive voice”?

2005-03-28T23:22:04Z

Akeough:

'''== What is Passive Voice?=='''

Passive voice is when the subject does not perform an action, like in an active sentence. In the active voice, the subject does something:

* The professor wrote a novel.

The subject (professor) performs an action (wrote) which produces the object (novel). In the passive voice, the order of the sentence is reversed so that the sentence merely describes:

* The novel was written by the professor.

Recognize a passive construction by some form of the '''“be”''' (was) verb that proceeds a past participle (written), followed by a prepositional phrase (by the professor).

Diana Hacker states in her book, ''A Writer's Reference'', "forms of ''''be'''' '''(be, am, is, are, was, were, being, been)''', lack vigor because they convey no action" (128).

Another problem with passive voice is it is often wordy and less concise than active voice.

* '''Wordiness''', can cause a reader to become confused and/or lose interest in the material (OWL).

'''==When To Use Passive Voice=='''

* Passive voice can be used in technical or scientific writing.

* Passive voice can be used when what is doing the action is unknown or already well defined.

* Passive voice can be used when what is recieveing the action (or the product of the action) is more important than what is doing the action.

* Example: Active
Scientists discovered a cure for cancer.

* Example: Passive
The cure for cancer was discovered by scientists.

In these two examples, it is the product of the action that is needing to be emphasized, which makes passive voice a better choice for the sentence.

* Constantly using active voice can cause a paper to sound choppy. Passive voice can be used as a transition between active voice sentences to make the sentence flow better (Active).

(Note: Be selective about when and how passive voice is used)

'''== Progressive Tense =='''

Progressive tense is another type of passive construction. It occurs when you use a be verb with an the -ing form of the verb to show that action continues and is not fixed to a certain point in time. For example:

: She is talking with Henry.
: They were eating pizza.
: She has been reading the latest Harry Potter novel.

The progressive tense is often used without thinking, but should only be used sparingly. More often than not the real verb should be used, eliminating the need for the be verb (passive) at all:

: She talks with Henry daily.
: They ate pizza last night.
: She reads the latest Harry Potter novel every night before bed.

Notice that when you eliminate the progressive tense, you must supply a specific time for the sentence to make sense.

Like the passive voice, use the progressive tense sparingly and strategically for specific rhetorical effect. Try to eliminate all unnecessary uses of the be verb.

== Works Cited ==

* "Active vs. Passive Sentences." 2002. Academic center and the University of Houston Victoria. 22 Feb 2005 <[http://www.uhv.edu.ac/grammar/active.html Active vs.Passive Sentences]>.

* Hacker, Diana. ''A Writer's Reference''. Boston: Bedford/St.Martin's, 2003.

* OWL.2000. Purdue University. 22 FEB 2005 <[http://owl.english.purdue.edu/hadnouts/grammar/g_actpass.html OWL]>.

----

[[Composition FAQ]]
[[Category:Composition|Voice]]

What is the “passive voice”?

2005-03-28T23:21:15Z

Akeough:

'''== What is Passive Voice?=='''

Passive voice is when the subject does not perform an action, like in an active sentence. In the active voice, the subject does something:

* The professor wrote a novel.

The subject (professor) performs an action (wrote) which produces the object (novel). In the passive voice, the order of the sentence is reversed so that the sentence merely describes:

* The novel was written by the professor.

Recognize a passive construction by some form of the '''“be”''' (was) verb that proceeds a past participle (written), followed by a prepositional phrase (by the professor).

Diana Hacker states in her book, ''A Writer's Reference'', "forms of ''''be'''' '''(be, am, is, are, was, were, being, been)''', lack vigor because they convey no action" (128).

Another problem with passive voice is it is often wordy and less concise than active voice.

* '''Wordiness''', can cause a reader to become confused and/or lose interest in the material (OWL).

'''==When To Use Passive Voice=='''

* Passive voice can be used in technical or scientific writing.

* Passive voice can be used when what is doing the action is unknown or already well defined.

* Passive voice can be used when what is recieveing the action (or the product of the action) is more important than what is doing the action.

* Example: Active

Scientists discovered a cure for cancer.

* Example: Passive

The cure for cancer was discovered by scientists.

In these two examples, it is the product of the action that is needing to be emphasized, which makes passive voice a better choice for the sentence.

* Constantly using active voice can cause a paper to sound choppy. Passive voice can be used as a transition between active voice sentences to make the sentence flow better (Active).

(Note: Be selective about when and how passive voice is used)

'''== Progressive Tense =='''

Progressive tense is another type of passive construction. It occurs when you use a be verb with an the -ing form of the verb to show that action continues and is not fixed to a certain point in time. For example:

: She is talking with Henry.
: They were eating pizza.
: She has been reading the latest Harry Potter novel.

The progressive tense is often used without thinking, but should only be used sparingly. More often than not the real verb should be used, eliminating the need for the be verb (passive) at all:

: She talks with Henry daily.
: They ate pizza last night.
: She reads the latest Harry Potter novel every night before bed.

Notice that when you eliminate the progressive tense, you must supply a specific time for the sentence to make sense.

Like the passive voice, use the progressive tense sparingly and strategically for specific rhetorical effect. Try to eliminate all unnecessary uses of the be verb.

== Works Cited ==

* "Active vs. Passive Sentences." 2002. Academic center and the University of Houston Victoria. 22 Feb 2005 <[http://www.uhv.edu.ac/grammar/active.html Active vs.Passive Sentences]>.

* Hacker, Diana. ''A Writer's Reference''. Boston: Bedford/St.Martin's, 2003.

* OWL.2000. Purdue University. 22 FEB 2005 <[http://owl.english.purdue.edu/hadnouts/grammar/g_actpass.html OWL]>.

----

[[Composition FAQ]]
[[Category:Composition|Voice]]

What is the “passive voice”?

2005-03-28T23:20:43Z

Akeough:

'''== What is Passive Voice?=='''
Passive voice is when the subject does not perform an action, like in an active sentence. In the active voice, the subject does something:

* The professor wrote a novel.

The subject (professor) performs an action (wrote) which produces the object (novel). In the passive voice, the order of the sentence is reversed so that the sentence merely describes:

* The novel was written by the professor.

Recognize a passive construction by some form of the '''“be”''' (was) verb that proceeds a past participle (written), followed by a prepositional phrase (by the professor).

Diana Hacker states in her book, ''A Writer's Reference'', "forms of ''''be'''' '''(be, am, is, are, was, were, being, been)''', lack vigor because they convey no action" (128).

Another problem with passive voice is it is often wordy and less concise than active voice.

* '''Wordiness''', can cause a reader to become confused and/or lose interest in the material (OWL).

'''==When To Use Passive Voice=='''

* Passive voice can be used in technical or scientific writing.

* Passive voice can be used when what is doing the action is unknown or already well defined.

* Passive voice can be used when what is recieveing the action (or the product of the action) is more important than what is doing the action.

* Example: Active

Scientists discovered a cure for cancer.

* Example: Passive

The cure for cancer was discovered by scientists.

In these two examples, it is the product of the action that is needing to be emphasized, which makes passive voice a better choice for the sentence.

* Constantly using active voice can cause a paper to sound choppy. Passive voice can be used as a transition between active voice sentences to make the sentence flow better (Active).

(Note: Be selective about when and how passive voice is used)

'''== Progressive Tense =='''

Progressive tense is another type of passive construction. It occurs when you use a be verb with an the -ing form of the verb to show that action continues and is not fixed to a certain point in time. For example:

: She is talking with Henry.
: They were eating pizza.
: She has been reading the latest Harry Potter novel.

The progressive tense is often used without thinking, but should only be used sparingly. More often than not the real verb should be used, eliminating the need for the be verb (passive) at all:

: She talks with Henry daily.
: They ate pizza last night.
: She reads the latest Harry Potter novel every night before bed.

Notice that when you eliminate the progressive tense, you must supply a specific time for the sentence to make sense.

Like the passive voice, use the progressive tense sparingly and strategically for specific rhetorical effect. Try to eliminate all unnecessary uses of the be verb.

== Works Cited ==

* "Active vs. Passive Sentences." 2002. Academic center and the University of Houston Victoria. 22 Feb 2005 <[http://www.uhv.edu.ac/grammar/active.html Active vs.Passive Sentences]>.

* Hacker, Diana. ''A Writer's Reference''. Boston: Bedford/St.Martin's, 2003.

* OWL.2000. Purdue University. 22 FEB 2005 <[http://owl.english.purdue.edu/hadnouts/grammar/g_actpass.html OWL]>.

----

[[Composition FAQ]]
[[Category:Composition|Voice]]

What is the “passive voice”?

2005-03-28T23:18:20Z

Akeough: /* When To Use Passive Voice */

== What is Passive Voice?==
Passive voice is when the subject does not perform an action, like in an active sentence. In the active voice, the subject does something:

* The professor wrote a novel.

The subject (professor) performs an action (wrote) which produces the object (novel). In the passive voice, the order of the sentence is reversed so that the sentence merely describes:

* The novel was written by the professor.

Recognize a passive construction by some form of the '''“be”''' (was) verb that proceeds a past participle (written), followed by a prepositional phrase (by the professor).

Diana Hacker states in her book, ''A Writer's Reference'', "forms of ''''be'''' (be, am, is, are, was, were, being, been) lack vigor because they convey no action" (128).

Another problem with passive voice is it is often wordy and less concise than active voice.

* Wordiness, can cause a reader to become confused and/or lose interest in the material (OWL).

==When To Use Passive Voice==

* Passive voice can be used in technical or scientific writing.

* Passive voice can be used when what is doing the action is unknown or already well defined.

* Passive voice can be used when what is recieveing the action (or the product of the action) is more important than what is doing the action.

* Example: Active

Scientists discovered a cure for cancer.

* Example: Passive

The cure for cancer was discovered by scientists.

In these two examples, it is the product of the action that is needing to be emphasized, which makes passive voice a better choice for the sentence.

* Constantly using active voice can cause a paper to sound choppy. Passive voice can be used as a transition between active voice sentences to make the sentence flow better (Active).

(Note: Be selective about when and how passive voice is used)

== Progressive Tense ==

Progressive tense is another type of passive construction. It occurs when you use a be verb with an the -ing form of the verb to show that action continues and is not fixed to a certain point in time. For example:

: She is talking with Henry.
: They were eating pizza.
: She has been reading the latest Harry Potter novel.

The progressive tense is often used without thinking, but should only be used sparingly. More often than not the real verb should be used, eliminating the need for the be verb (passive) at all:

: She talks with Henry daily.
: They ate pizza last night.
: She reads the latest Harry Potter novel every night before bed.

Notice that when you eliminate the progressive tense, you must supply a specific time for the sentence to make sense.

Like the passive voice, use the progressive tense sparingly and strategically for specific rhetorical effect. Try to eliminate all unnecessary uses of the be verb.

== Works Cited ==

* "Active vs. Passive Sentences." 2002. Academic center and the University of Houston Victoria. 22 Feb 2005 <[http://www.uhv.edu.ac/grammar/active.html Active vs.Passive Sentences]>.

* Hacker, Diana. ''A Writer's Reference''. Boston: Bedford/St.Martin's, 2003.

* OWL.2000. Purdue University. 22 FEB 2005 <[http://owl.english.purdue.edu/hadnouts/grammar/g_actpass.html OWL]>.

----

[[Composition FAQ]]
[[Category:Composition|Voice]]

What is the “passive voice”?

2005-03-24T18:39:56Z

Akeough:

== What is Passive Voice?==
Passive voice is when the subject does not perform an action, like in an active sentence. In the active voice, the subject does something:

* The professor wrote a novel.

The subject (professor) performs an action (wrote) which produces the object (novel). In the passive voice, the order of the sentence is reversed so that the sentence merely describes:

* The novel was written by the professor.

Recognize a passive construction by some form of the '''“be”''' (was) verb that proceeds a past participle (written), followed by a prepositional phrase (by the professor).

Diana Hacker states in her book, ''A Writer's Reference'', "forms of ''''be'''' (be, am, is, are, was, were, being, been) lack vigor because they convey no action" (128).

Another problem with passive voice is it is often wordy and less concise than active voice.

* Wordiness, can cause a reader to become confused and/or lose interest in the material (OWL).

==When To Use Passive Voice==

* Passive voice can be used in technical or scientific writing.

* Passive voice can be used when what is doing the action is unknown or already well defined.

* Passive voice can be used when what is recieveing the action (or the product of the action) is more important than what is doing the action.

* Example: Active

Scientists discovered a cure for cancer.

* Example: Passive

The cure for cancer was discovered by scientists.

In these two examples, it is the product of the action that is needing to be emphasized, which makes passive voice a better choice for the sentence.

* Constantly using active voice can cause a paper to sound choppy. Passive voice can be used as a transition between active voice sentences to make the sentence flow better (Active).

Note: Be selective about when and how passive voice is used

== Progressive Tense ==

Progressive tense is another type of passive construction. It occurs when you use a be verb with an the -ing form of the verb to show that action continues and is not fixed to a certain point in time. For example:

: She is talking with Henry.
: They were eating pizza.
: She has been reading the latest Harry Potter novel.

The progressive tense is often used without thinking, but should only be used sparingly. More often than not the real verb should be used, eliminating the need for the be verb (passive) at all:

: She talks with Henry daily.
: They ate pizza last night.
: She reads the latest Harry Potter novel every night before bed.

Notice that when you eliminate the progressive tense, you must supply a specific time for the sentence to make sense.

Like the passive voice, use the progressive tense sparingly and strategically for specific rhetorical effect. Try to eliminate all unnecessary uses of the be verb.

== Works Cited ==

* "Active vs. Passive Sentences." 2002. Academic center and the University of Houston Victoria. 22 Feb 2005 <[http://www.uhv.edu.ac/grammar/active.html Active vs.Passive Sentences]>.

* Hacker, Diana. ''A Writer's Reference''. Boston: Bedford/St.Martin's, 2003.

* OWL.2000. Purdue University. 22 FEB 2005 <[http://owl.english.purdue.edu/hadnouts/grammar/g_actpass.html OWL]>.

----

[[Composition FAQ]]
[[Category:Composition|Voice]]

Talk:What is “tone”?

2005-03-24T18:25:56Z

Akeough:

Try to make the sections a little more brief and to the point. Paragraphs of information do not catch the eye and make you want to read it, but try to bullet or bold information. These make the eye stop and read what is going on. You have great information within the wiki, but you just need to make it more appealing to eye. Think of it as you were scrolling the page quickly. What would catch your eye? Overall just need little revision.

Dave Burkert

This entry is full understandable ways of using tone in writting. The entry is also put together clearly. D Davis

Very good Lit wiki. You had a lot of information on what tone was. The examples were also very helpful. You may need to do a little revising.
-Whitney Behel

Very good article. Could not find any errors in it. Full of information and easy to understand.
-Terence Heenan

This is a good entry. It is clearly written. Anthony Jones

The examples are helpful. need to revise.
-daniel Epps

Good entry, lots of material.Could make it a little more brief.
-Robert Bartosh

This was a good entry. I thought it was informative and not overly wordy. Try to be a little more clear about word choice's connection to tone.-Amberly Keough

Talk:What is the difference between possessives and plurals?

2005-03-24T18:14:49Z

Akeough:

This was a well written article. I feel that all of the headings and following material for each one was a great style for it. Good job on citing the works, too.
-Terence Heenan

Very well written. The wiki site flows logically and has information bulleted and bold so it grabs the attention of the reader. Has works cited at bottom and done correctly. You could add similar web sites as links at the bottom. - Dave Burkert

This was a good entry. I think your first paragraph was a little wordy. Anthony Jones

This paper had decent scanability. It was somewhat difficult to read due to the appearance of some run-on's. Some ideas should have been simplified in language to clearly illustrate authors point. Some more information should have been added to further the topic a bit more. There were not many outside links, but paper was overall O.K.
--[[User:Apitt329|Apitt329]] 13:00, 24 Mar 2005 (EST)

This enrty has some good examples. But it needs to be more to the point
D Davis

This was good, but could use a little more explanantion on plurals.
-Amberly Keough

Talk:What is the correct way to use punctuation with quotation marks?

2005-03-24T18:10:30Z

Akeough:

I like the style you had with the entry. Many bolded area's and bullets to grab the attention. You may want to add links to other web pages that are similar to what you wrote about. - Dave Burkert

This entry has good examples. IT is easy to understand and find what you are looking for. IT does not have a works cited.
D Davis

I like this entry. I think you should have done an example for poetry like you did with the rest of the paper.
-Amberly Keough

Talk:What is “redundancy”?

2005-03-24T18:02:27Z

Akeough:

I like the way yours was broken into certain sections. You were clear and it caught my attention. You could maybe do a few more examples.-Amberly Keough

Talk:What is a “run-on” sentence?

2005-03-24T17:58:20Z

Akeough:

A lot of great information. You need to break up the long paragraphs and add a table of contents. The information just needs to broke up in to sections. Bold and add bullets to information. You could add links to the page and put a works cited area for where you got the information. - Dave Burkert

The long paragraphs take away from the information. I do not know for sur, but I don't think we were supposed to use "I".-Amberly Keough

Talk:What is “wordiness”?

2005-03-24T17:52:45Z

Akeough:

The word states (you spelled it "state's") is spelled incorrectly.Clarify, or try to simplify facts.
-Amberly Keough

Talk:How do I know when I need to use a comma?

2005-03-24T17:44:33Z

Akeough:

There were a few spelling errors,specifically hamster and together. Another thing is the paragraph before the eight rules could be narrowed slightly. I thought this was a good entry.
-Amberly Keough

Talk:What are “transitions”?

2005-03-24T17:42:49Z

Akeough:

Good so far. Be sure you are citing all of your sources and providing a section for external links. Proofread some of your sentences for clarity. --[[User:Glucas|Glucas]] 11:05, 20 Oct 2004 (EDT)

The examples could be a little clearer.
-Amberly Keough

Talk:What are “transitions”?

2005-03-24T17:42:31Z

Akeough:

Talk:How do I know when I need to use a comma?

2005-03-24T17:39:20Z

Akeough:

There were a few spelling errors,specifically hamster and together. Another thing is the paragraph before the eight rules. Just narrow it down a little. I thought this was a good entry. It was clearly expressed.

Talk:How do I know when I need to use a comma?

2005-03-24T17:38:46Z

Akeough:

There were a very spelling errors,specifically hamster and together. Another thing is the paragraph before the eight rules. Just narrow it down a little. I thought this was a good entry. It was clearly expressed.

What is the “passive voice”?

2005-03-02T21:20:28Z

Akeough:

In a passive sentence, the subject does not perform an action, like in an active sentence. In the active voice, the subject does something:

: The professor wrote a novel.

The subject (professor) performs an action (wrote) which produces the object (novel). In the passive voice, the order of the sentence is reversed so that the sentence merely describes:

: The novel was written by the professor.

Recognize a passive construction by some form of the “be” (was) verb that proceeds a past participle (written), followed by a prepositional phrase (by the professor).

A passive sentence contains some form of the word "be." Diana Hacker states in her book, ''A Writer's Reference'', "forms of 'be' (be, am, is, are, was, were, being, been) lack vigor because they convey no action" (128).

Another problem with passive voice is it is often wordy and less concise than active voice. Wordiness, can cause a reader to become confused and/or lose interest in the material (OWL).

==When To Use Passive Voice ==

* Passive voice can be used in technical or scientific writing.

* Passive voice can be used when what is doing the action is unknown or already well defined.

* Passive voice can be used when what is recieveing the action (or the product of the action) is more important than what is doing the action.

Example: Active

Scientists discovered a cure for cancer.

Example: Passive

The cure for cancer was discovered by scientists.

In these two examples, it is the product of the action that is needing to be emphasized, which makes passive voice a better choice for the sentence.

* Constantly using active voice can cause a paper to sound choppy; using passive voice in sentences can sometimes make a paper flow better (Active).

(Note: Be selective about when and how passive voice is used)

== Progressive Tense ==

Progressive tense is another type of passive construction. It occurs when you use a be verb with an the -ing form of the verb to show that action continues and is not fixed to a certain point in time. For example:

: She is talking with Henry.
: They were eating pizza.
: She has been reading the latest Harry Potter novel.

The progressive tense is often used without thinking, but should only be used sparingly. More often than not the real verb should be used, eliminating the need for the be verb (passive) at all:

: She talks with Henry daily.
: They ate pizza last night.
: She reads the latest Harry Potter novel every night before bed.

Notice that when you eliminate the progressive tense, you must supply a specific time for the sentence to make sense.

Like the passive voice, use the progressive tense sparingly and strategically for specific rhetorical effect. Try to eliminate all unnecessary uses of the be verb.

== Works Cited ==

* "Active vs. Passive Sentences." 2002. Academic center and the University of Houston Victoria. 22 Feb 2005 <[http://www.uhv.edu.ac/grammar/active.html Active vs.Passive Sentences]>.

* Hacker, Diana. ''A Writer's Reference''. Boston: Bedford/St.Martin's, 2003.

* OWL.2000. Purdue University. 22 FEB 2005 <[http://owl.english.purdue.edu/hadnouts/grammar/g_actpass.html OWL]>.

----

[[Composition FAQ]]
[[Category:Composition|Voice]]

What is the “passive voice”?

2005-03-02T21:19:50Z

Akeough:

In a passive sentence, the subject does not perform an action, like in an active sentence. In the active voice, the subject does something:

: The professor wrote a novel.

The subject (professor) performs an action (wrote) which produces the object (novel). In the passive voice, the order of the sentence is reversed so that the sentence merely describes:

: The novel was written by the professor.

Recognize a passive construction by some form of the “be” (was) verb that proceeds a past participle (written), followed by a prepositional phrase (by the professor).

A passive sentence contains some form of the word "be." Diana Hacker states in her book, ''A Writer's Reference'', "forms of be (be, am, is, are, was, were, being, been) lack vigor because they convey no action" (128).

Another problem with passive voice is it is often wordy and less concise than active voice. Wordiness, can cause a reader to become confused and/or lose interest in the material (OWL).

==When To Use Passive Voice ==

* Passive voice can be used in technical or scientific writing.

* Passive voice can be used when what is doing the action is unknown or already well defined.

* Passive voice can be used when what is recieveing the action (or the product of the action) is more important than what is doing the action.

Example: Active

Scientists discovered a cure for cancer.

Example: Passive

The cure for cancer was discovered by scientists.

In these two examples, it is the product of the action that is needing to be emphasized, which makes passive voice a better choice for the sentence.

* Constantly using active voice can cause a paper to sound choppy; using passive voice in sentences can sometimes make a paper flow better (Active).

(Note: Be selective about when and how passive voice is used)

== Progressive Tense ==

Progressive tense is another type of passive construction. It occurs when you use a be verb with an the -ing form of the verb to show that action continues and is not fixed to a certain point in time. For example:

: She is talking with Henry.
: They were eating pizza.
: She has been reading the latest Harry Potter novel.

The progressive tense is often used without thinking, but should only be used sparingly. More often than not the real verb should be used, eliminating the need for the be verb (passive) at all:

: She talks with Henry daily.
: They ate pizza last night.
: She reads the latest Harry Potter novel every night before bed.

Notice that when you eliminate the progressive tense, you must supply a specific time for the sentence to make sense.

Like the passive voice, use the progressive tense sparingly and strategically for specific rhetorical effect. Try to eliminate all unnecessary uses of the be verb.

== Works Cited ==

* "Active vs. Passive Sentences." 2002. Academic center and the University of Houston Victoria. 22 Feb 2005 <[http://www.uhv.edu.ac/grammar/active.html Active vs.Passive Sentences]>.

* Hacker, Diana. ''A Writer's Reference''. Boston: Bedford/St.Martin's, 2003.

* OWL.2000. Purdue University. 22 FEB 2005 <[http://owl.english.purdue.edu/hadnouts/grammar/g_actpass.html OWL]>.

----

[[Composition FAQ]]
[[Category:Composition|Voice]]

What is the “passive voice”?

2005-03-02T21:19:19Z

Akeough:

In a passive sentence, the subject does not perform an action, like in an active sentence. In the active voice, the subject does something:

: The professor wrote a novel.

The subject (professor) performs an action (wrote) which produces the object (novel). In the passive voice, the order of the sentence is reversed so that the sentence merely describes:

: The novel was written by the professor.

Recognize a passive construction by some form of the “be” (was) verb that proceeds a past participle (written), followed by a prepositional phrase (by the professor).

A passive sentence contains some form of the word "be." Diana Hacker states in her book, ''A Writer's Reference'', "forms of be (be, am, is, are, was, were, being, been) lack vigor because they convey no action" (128).

Another problem with passive voice is it is often wordy and less concise than active voice. Wordiness, can cause a reader to become confused and/or lose interest in the material (OWL).

==When To Use Passive Voice ==

* Passive voice can be used in technical or scientific writing.

* Passive voice can be used when what is doing the action is unknown or already well defined.

* Passive voice can be used when what is recieveing the action (or the product of the action) is more important than what is doing the action.

Example: Active

Scientists discovered a cure for cancer.

Example: Passive

The cure for cancer was discovered by scientists.

In these two examples, it is the product of the action that is needing to be emphasized, which makes passive voice a better choice for the sentence.

* Constantly using active voice can cause a paper to sound choppy; using passive voice in sentences can sometimes make a paper flow better (Active).

(Note: Be selective about when and how passive is used)

== Progressive Tense ==

Progressive tense is another type of passive construction. It occurs when you use a be verb with an the -ing form of the verb to show that action continues and is not fixed to a certain point in time. For example:

: She is talking with Henry.
: They were eating pizza.
: She has been reading the latest Harry Potter novel.

The progressive tense is often used without thinking, but should only be used sparingly. More often than not the real verb should be used, eliminating the need for the be verb (passive) at all:

: She talks with Henry daily.
: They ate pizza last night.
: She reads the latest Harry Potter novel every night before bed.

Notice that when you eliminate the progressive tense, you must supply a specific time for the sentence to make sense.

Like the passive voice, use the progressive tense sparingly and strategically for specific rhetorical effect. Try to eliminate all unnecessary uses of the be verb.

== Works Cited ==

* "Active vs. Passive Sentences." 2002. Academic center and the University of Houston Victoria. 22 Feb 2005 <[http://www.uhv.edu.ac/grammar/active.html Active vs.Passive Sentences]>.

* Hacker, Diana. ''A Writer's Reference''. Boston: Bedford/St.Martin's, 2003.

* OWL.2000. Purdue University. 22 FEB 2005 <[http://owl.english.purdue.edu/hadnouts/grammar/g_actpass.html OWL]>.

----

[[Composition FAQ]]
[[Category:Composition|Voice]]

What is the “passive voice”?

2005-03-02T21:18:29Z

Akeough:

In a passive sentence, the subject does not perform an action, like in an active sentence. In the active voice, the subject does something:

: The professor wrote a novel.

The subject (professor) performs an action (wrote) which produces the object (novel). In the passive voice, the order of the sentence is reversed so that the sentence merely describes:

: The novel was written by the professor.

Recognize a passive construction by some form of the “be” (was) verb that proceeds a past participle (written), followed by a prepositional phrase (by the professor).

A passive sentence contains some form of the word "be." Diana Hacker states in her book, ''A Writer's Reference'', "forms of be (be, am, is, are, was, were, being, been) lack vigor because they convey no action" (128).

Another problem with passive voice is it is often wordy and less concise than active voice. Wordiness, can cause a reader to become confused and/or lose interest in the material (OWL).

==When To Use Passive Voice ==

* Passive voice can be used in technical or scientific writing.

* Passive voice can be used when what is doing the action is unknown or already well defined.

* Passive voice can be used when what is recieveing the action (or the product of the action) is more important than what is doing the action.

Example: Active

Scientists discovered a cure for cancer.

Example: Passive

The cure for cancer was discovered by scientists.

In these two examples, it is the product of the action that is needing to be emphasized, which makes passive voice a better choice for the sentence.

* Constantly using active voice can cause a paper to sound choppy; using passive voice in sentences can sometimes make a paper flow better (Active).

(Note: Be selective about when and how passive is used)

== Progressive Tense ==

Progressive tense is another type of passive construction. It occurs when you use a be verb with an the -ing form of the verb to show that action continues and is not fixed to a certain point in time. For example:

: She is talking with Henry.
: They were eating pizza.
: She has been reading the latest Harry Potter novel.

The progressive tense is often used without thinking, but should only be used sparingly. More often than not the real verb should be used, eliminating the need for the be verb (passive) at all:

: She talks with Henry daily.
: They ate pizza last night.
: She reads the latest Harry Potter novel every night before bed.

Notice that when you eliminate the progressive tense, you must supply a specific time for the sentence to make sense.

Like the passive voice, use the progressive tense sparingly and strategically for specific rhetorical effect. Try to eliminate all unnecessary uses of the be verb.

== Works Cited ==

* "Active vs. Passive Sentences." 2002. Academic center and the University of Houston Victoria. 22 Feb 2005 <[http://www.uhv.edu.ac/grammar/active.html Active vs.Passive Sentences]>

* Hacker, Diana. ''A Writer's Reference''. Boston: Bedford/St.Martin's, 2003.

* OWL.2000. Purdue University. 22 FEB 2005 <[http://owl.english.purdue.edu/hadnouts/grammar/g_actpass.html OWL]>

----

[[Composition FAQ]]
[[Category:Composition|Voice]]