


You should use passive voice when you wish to highlight the object. Passive voice is subtler and weaker as compared to active voice. That sounds much more complex than it is-it is very easy to detect a passive voice. Doing this often typically introduces a preposition.
#ACTIVE VOICE PLUS#
The passive voice is often built with a combined form of ‘to be’ plus the past participle of the verb. On the other hand, when the subject is acted on by the verb, a sentence is in the passive voice. The agency is required to respond to requests within 20 working days.Source: English Resource Lab – Erlkis Passive Voice Rewording either of these sentences to use the active voice would complicate the sentence or pull focus away from its main point:įorms issued by the Office of Government Ethics include the OGE-450 and the OGE-278. You may occasionally need to use the passive voice to soften an error message or make something easier to understand. Never use the passive voice in a way that makes actions seem like they happen without anyone doing them. Rebecca Johnson: If you insert “by zombies” after the verb and the sentence still makes sense, you’re using the passive voice. Here’s a simple way to recognize it, courtesy of Dr. Use of the passive voice is common enough that many people don’t notice when they use it. When in doubt, cut directly to the verb and give the reader clear directions. It will be required for future inquiries.Īctive: Save the case number in your records. Passive: The case number should be saved in your records. Passive: The request form must be submitted to the approving official.Īctive: You must submit the request form to the approving official.Īlong with deemphasizing who should take an action, the passive voice is usually longer, too.

Omitting that leads to a confusing and impersonal sentence. In the following example, the person who submits the form is essential information. The active voice helps the reader identify the subject of the sentence.

We prefer the active voice because it supports brevity and makes written content more engaging, too. Our writing should be concise and direct.
