Benefits of Using Passive Voice

Oct 13, 2025 by wbrum.org 67 views

Understanding Passive Voice

The passive voice is a grammatical construction in which the recipient of the action (the object) becomes the subject of the sentence, while the doer of the action (the subject) is relegated to a secondary or even absent role. In this article, we will explore the passive voice construction and provide examples of how to change sentences into passive voice.

Example 1: The Mechanic Tested the Flat T.V.

Active Voice: The mechanic tested the flat T.V.
Passive Voice: The flat T.V. was tested by the mechanic.

In the active voice sentence, the subject (the mechanic) performs the action (tested) on the object (the flat T.V.). In the passive voice sentence, the object (the flat T.V.) becomes the subject, and the doer of the action (the mechanic) is relegated to a secondary role.

Example 2: The Tiger Chased the Deer

Active Voice: The tiger chased the deer.
Passive Voice: The deer was chased by the tiger.

In the active voice sentence, the subject (the tiger) performs the action (chased) on the object (the deer). In the passive voice sentence, the object (the deer) becomes the subject, and the doer of the action (the tiger) is relegated to a secondary role.

Example 3: My Brother Has Completed the Work

Active Voice: My brother has completed the work.
Passive Voice: The work has been completed by my brother.

In the active voice sentence, the subject (my brother) performs the action (completed) on the object (the work). In the passive voice sentence, the object (the work) becomes the subject, and the doer of the action (my brother) is relegated to a secondary role.

Example 4: Have You Finished the Report?

Active Voice: Have you finished the report?
Passive Voice: Has the report been finished by you?

In the active voice sentence, the subject (you) performs the action (finished) on the object (the report). In the passive voice sentence, the object (the report) becomes the subject, and the doer of the action (you) is relegated to a secondary role.

Example 5: Mother Made a Cake Yesterday

Active Voice: Mother made a cake yesterday.
Passive Voice: A cake was made by mother yesterday.

In the active voice sentence, the subject (mother) performs the action (made) on the object (a cake). In the passive voice sentence, the object (a cake) becomes the subject, and the doer of the action (mother) is relegated to a secondary role.

Example 6: We Had Lost the Key

Active Voice: We had lost the key.
Passive Voice: The key had been lost by us.

In the active voice sentence, the subject (we) performs the action (lost) on the object (the key). In the passive voice sentence, the object (the key) becomes the subject, and the doer of the action (we) is relegated to a secondary role.

Example 7: I Had

Active Voice: I had.
Passive Voice: I was had.

In the active voice sentence, the subject (I) performs the action (had) on the object (none). In the passive voice sentence, the subject (I) becomes the object of the action (had).

Benefits of Using Passive Voice

While the active voice is generally considered more engaging and easier to read, there are situations where the passive voice is more suitable. Here are some benefits of using passive voice:

To emphasize the action rather than the doer: In some cases, the focus is on the action itself rather than the person performing it. For example, "The play was written by Shakespeare" emphasizes the play rather than the playwright.
To avoid blame or responsibility: The passive voice can be used to avoid assigning blame or responsibility to a particular person or group. For example, "The mistake was made by someone" rather than "John made the mistake."
To create a sense of objectivity: The passive voice can be used to create a sense of objectivity, as if the action is happening independently of any person or group. For example, "The report was compiled by a team of experts" rather than "A team of experts compiled the report."

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While the passive voice can be useful in certain situations, there are some common mistakes to avoid:

Using the passive voice excessively: While the passive voice can be useful in certain situations, excessive use can make the writing seem dull and unengaging.
Using the passive voice to avoid responsibility: The passive voice should not be used to avoid responsibility or blame. Instead, it should be used to create a sense of objectivity or to emphasize the action rather than the doer.
Using the passive voice in situations where the active voice is more suitable: The passive voice should be used in situations where it is more suitable, such as to emphasize the action rather than the doer or to create a sense of objectivity.

Conclusion

Q1: What is the difference between active and passive voice?

A1: The main difference between active and passive voice is the role of the subject and the object. In active voice, the subject performs the action on the object, while in passive voice, the object becomes the subject and the doer of the action is relegated to a secondary role.

Q2: When should I use passive voice?

A2: You should use passive voice in situations where:

You want to emphasize the action rather than the doer.
You want to avoid blame or responsibility.
You want to create a sense of objectivity.
You are writing a formal or technical document.

Q3: How do I change a sentence from active to passive voice?

A3: To change a sentence from active to passive voice, follow these steps:

Identify the subject and the object.
Make the object the subject of the sentence.
Use a form of the verb "to be" (e.g. was, were, been) to connect the subject to the action.
Add the doer of the action as a prepositional phrase (e.g. by the mechanic).

Q4: Can I use passive voice in all types of writing?

A4: No, passive voice is not suitable for all types of writing. In general, it's best to use active voice in:

Fiction writing (e.g. novels, short stories)
Creative writing (e.g. poetry, essays)
Informal writing (e.g. social media, blogs)

Q5: How do I avoid using passive voice excessively?

A5: To avoid using passive voice excessively, follow these tips:

Use active voice as the default.
Use passive voice only when necessary (e.g. to emphasize the action or create a sense of objectivity).
Vary your sentence structure to avoid repetition.
Use clear and concise language to convey your message.

Q6: Can I use passive voice in academic writing?

A6: Yes, passive voice can be used in academic writing, but use it sparingly and with caution. Passive voice can be useful in:

Technical writing (e.g. research papers, academic articles)
Formal writing (e.g. theses, dissertations)
Abstracts and summaries

Q7: How do I know when to use the passive voice in academic writing?

A7: To determine when to use the passive voice in academic writing, ask yourself:

Is the focus on the action rather than the doer?
Is the doer of the action not relevant or not known?
Is the sentence more concise and clear in passive voice?

Q8: Can I use passive voice in business writing?

A8: Yes, passive voice can be used in business writing, but use it sparingly and with caution. Passive voice can be useful in:

Technical writing (e.g. user manuals, instruction guides)
Formal writing (e.g. reports, proposals)
Abstracts and summaries

Q9: How do I know when to use the passive voice in business writing?

A9: To determine when to use the passive voice in business writing, ask yourself:

Is the focus on the action rather than the doer?
Is the doer of the action not relevant or not known?
Is the sentence more concise and clear in passive voice?

Q10: Can I use passive voice in social media writing?

A10: No, passive voice is not suitable for social media writing. Social media writing is informal and conversational, and active voice is generally more engaging and easier to read.

Conclusion

In conclusion, passive voice can be a useful tool in writing, but it should be used sparingly and with caution. By understanding when to use passive voice and how to change sentences from active to passive voice, you can use this grammatical construction effectively in your writing.