What is the “passive voice”?: Difference between revisions

What is the “passive voice”? (view source)

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 : 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). Notice that the passive sentence is wordier than the active sentence because its contains unnecessary words. Strong academic writing should avoid the passive voice whenever possible; remember to look for a form of the “be” verb (was, is, were, are, etc.) — that is a dead give away. Ask who or what is acting in the sentence and then fix the sentence accordingly, using the real subject and verb.
+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).
-The passive voice is often necessary. Like in the last sentence, when the subject is implied or unknown, then the passive voice is acceptable. Never use too many passive constructions in a row.
-Passive:
+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).
-: The ball was thrown by Tara.
-: Almost always, the ability to read and write is needed.
-: Studies are showing that less professionals decide to reproduce.
-Active:
+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).
-: Tara threw the ball.
-: Almost always, people need the ability to read and write.
+==When To Use Passive Voice ==
-: Studies show that less professionals decide to reproduce.
+* 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 ==
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 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]>
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